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Mr. Sutcliffe: I recognise the problems that the hon. Member for Tewkesbury has had with the OFT, not least the issue around the racing analogy. Cheltenham racecourse is in the hon. Gentleman's constituency, and that clearly could have had an impact on his constituents. I understand his view of the OFT, but I have tried to explain some of the safeguards that are in place that relate to the OFT and its powers, how it reports and how it is accountable to Parliament. With regard to amendment No. 42, I agree that the Secretary of State should have some control over the statement of policy on civil penalties. The statement of policy will set out details of the circumstances in which the OFT would impose civil penalties and would set out the level of civil penalties. It is right that the Secretary of State should approve a policy statement before it is published, and that is exactly what clause 54 ensures, stating that no statement of policy should be published without the approval of the Secretary of State. In the unlikely event of the Secretary of State's not approving the policy statement, and if the OFT does not make amendments to it, the statement could not be published. Until a statement is published the OFT cannot impose civil penalties on licensees. Therefore the clause offers an additional safeguard. Having been given that assurance, the hon. Gentleman will, I hope, withdraw the amendment. Mr. Robertson: With the Minister's—I almost said ''Secretary of State's'', although I am sure that that is only one reshuffle away if a general election does not intervene—very clear explanation of how the clause will work, I beg to ask leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. Clause 54 ordered to stand part of the Bill. Further consideration adjourned.—[Mr. Watson.] Adjourned accordingly at Six minutes past Eleven o'clock till this day at half-past Two o'clock.
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