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European Union Bill

My Lords, perhaps I may start by answering the noble Baroness, Lady Williams. If I am correct—I am not an expert on parliamentary procedure—I think that on SIs we have to approve a Motion without amendment. I will take advice and write to her on that subject but I do not think it is a major issue. Clause 10 is a proposal for light-touch parliamentary scrutiny of decisions taken in the European Union. The requirement for each House to pass a Motion is either an invitation for each House to accept that this is not significant, or so clearly in Britain's national interest that we should let it go by, or it is an invitation for the scrutiny committees to pay some attention and then bring a Motion to each House. On the question of proposals for judges and Advocates-General, these matters have been covered by an excellent report from the House of Lords Scrutiny Committee, to which Her Majesty's Government will reply in good time. We do not see that this in any sense provides a greater obstacle to a decision one way or another; it merely underlines the desirability of Parliament being aware of what is happening and being required to say either, ““Yes, this is fine””, or, ““We’re not entirely sure and we require an explanation on each of these various administrative and other issues””. Having I hope reassured the House on that, I hope that the House will accept that Clause 10 should stand part. Clause 10 agreed. Clause 11 : Persons entitled to vote in referendum Clause 11 : Persons entitled to vote in referendum Amendment 49 not moved. Clause 11 agreed. Clause 12 : Separate questions Clause 12 : Separate questions Amendments 50 to 52 not moved. Clause 12 agreed. Amendment 53 Moved by