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Digital Economy Bill [HL]

I am in a difficult position. I am delighted that the Minister realises the shortcomings of this clause; that it has replaced the previous Clause 17, which I did not like either; and that, therefore, something better will appear. On the other hand, the method by which it is appearing is by a complete and absolute abuse of parliamentary process. I am not quite sure why we bother to sit and debate any laws at all if the Front Benches in another place can get together and put whatever they like into a bit of legislation. That is for another time and another place. I have always found the whole area of wash-up very troublesome, particularly as a Cross-Bencher who does not get a look-in at all. I have seen some very funny things going through. When I see two Front Benches colluding, I usually think that we are in trouble. With all those caveats, I welcome the Minister’s movement on this clause. I hope that what they propose will look good. I hope that he has listened to what I said about the super-affirmative procedure and that they would insert something like that so that we could have proper parliamentary scrutiny. I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment 15 withdrawn. Amendments 16 to 23 not moved. Clause 20 : Appointment of manager of internet domain registry Amendment 24 Clause 20 : Appointment of manager of internet domain registry Amendment 24 Moved by