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Postal Services Bill [HL]

I thank all noble Lords for their contributions in what has been a very helpful debate. I thank in particular the noble Lords, Lord Clarke and Lord Hoyle, for their supportive and incisive comments. The noble Lords, Lord Christopher and Lord Stoddart, asked some interesting and important questions. The comments of my noble friend Lord Blackwell are well taken. Our intention was entirely about reporting to Parliament, not interference in the deal, but I take his point. I am happy, if on deliberation we consider it necessary, to look at the wording again. I thank the Secretary of State for his positive response. I thank him in particular for his report on progress towards a deal so far and also for his comments on independent reporting and the fact that Parliament will have an opportunity to discuss the deal in due course. That was all very helpful. I will read his remarks with care and, while of course reserving our right to return to these matters later, for now I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment 20 withdrawn. Amendments 21 and 22 not moved. Schedule 2 agreed. Amendment 23 had been withdrawn from the Marshalled List. Clause 10 : Meaning of "owned in its entirety by the Crown" and "publicly owned" Amendments 24 to 26 not moved. Clause 10 agreed. Clause 11 : Indirect ownership of companies Amendment 27 not moved. Clause 11 agreed.