HL Deb 06 February 2003 vol 644 c401

5.27 p.m.

Lord Whitty had given notice of his intention to move, That the draft code of recommendations laid before the House on 9th January be approved [7th Report from the Joint Committee].

The noble Lord said: My Lords, having taken advice and considered what was said by the noble Lord, Lord Jopling, I think that the best way to proceed would be for us to pass the code today, on the understanding that, were the legal position to be as the noble Lord described, we would bring it back for support. I recommend that course of action. Is the House prepared to do that?

Noble Lords

No!

Lord Whitty

My Lords, in that case, I cannot move the Motion. That is unfortunate. We could have cooperated on this.

Baroness Byford

My Lords, I am grateful to the Minister. He has said continually this afternoon that people in the House understand what is meant. However, people outside the House have not gone through the deliberations that we have had. I thank the Minister and accept the withdrawal of the code.

Motion not moved.