---

Postal Services Bill [HL]

I can hardly withdraw an amendment that I have not moved; I have only spoken to it, technically. I found the Secretary of State’s remarks extremely helpful, but I still do not understand two points. First, I do not know why no specific date can be put in the Bill, and I shall have to read the Minister’s words extremely carefully before the next stage. Secondly, I could not agree more that it would be totally undesirable to have a second primary piece of legislation to cover a wobble in relationships on this matter between the EU Commission and Her Majesty's Government. However, that is not necessary. We could cope with the situation, if we wanted, by subordinate legislation, but this Bill would have to be amended to take account of that scenario. It is not beyond the wit of man. I agree with the Secretary of State that it would be a mistake to have to go on to a second Bill in those circumstances, but I am not yet convinced that the game is worth the candle to go down the subordinate legislation route to which I referred. That will be part of my thinking between now and the next stage.