Mr.
Browne: I am grateful to the Minister for her constructive
and detailed response to that series of amendments. My only observation
is that a reasonable case can be made in every instance for granting
greater powers to HMRC. However, in my three years as a Member of the
House, we have had endless items of legislation before us, of which
this is only one, where the state has increased its powers at the
expense of the individual citizen. If I recall correctly, I have yet to
have the opportunity to vote on a single instance when the individual
citizen’s powers have been extended at the expense of the state.
Nevertheless, that is the background within which we all operate. I do
not wish to press any of the amendments to a Division this evening. I
beg to ask leave to withdraw the
amendment. Amendment,
by leave,
withdrawn.
The
Chairman: May I wish all members of the Committee an
enjoyable and eventful, but restful, weekend? I will see you back next
week on Tuesday, at 10.30 in the
morning. Further
consideration adjourned—[Mr.
Blizzard.] Adjourned
accordingly at one minute past Four o’clock till Tuesday 10 June
at half-past Ten
o’clock.
| 
