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Legislative Programme and Budget Statement (Wales)

The hon. Gentleman has made his point. We understand he will be a rebel in this Parliament, and that is one way for him to move forward. We have heard what he has to say. On capital gains tax, the Liberal Democrat idea was a good one and I fully supported it, but it did not come through. It was not the 40% or 50% that they wanted; it was 28%. The Lib Dem policy that a £10,000 income should be tax-free was compromised. On value added tax, we had the wonderful performance of his hon. Friend the Member for Brecon and Radnorshire, who one day said, ““I am against it; I will vote against it; I will do this, that and the next thing.”” But within a matter of hours, he voted in favour. That is pretty sad. As I have said, the Lib Dems are all things to all men and they are capable of the most fantastic U-turns when they put their minds to it.