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Finally, I turn to the question asked by the noble Baroness, Lady Hamwee. I responded as I did to the Merits Committee because that is our absolutely serious judgment—for the reasons not least picked up by the noble Lord, Lord Dixon-Smith. We have not speculated on what the implications would be if the order were to be quashed. My understanding is that, with the order having gone through, it might not be possible for the court to do anything other than accept that it had gone through. I have gone as far as I can in trying to explain why, in terms of the process and the timing, we do not think that it is likely that the court will come to that conclusion.

I am grateful to all Members of the Committee who have spoken. We will follow up what has been said. I am very willing, as are our officials, to talk to noble Lords about future processes in the context of the orders that will come forward in due course, and about the principles and the processes that have led us to this situation today. I am very grateful for the support.

On Question, Motion agreed to.

The Deputy Chairman of Committees (Lord Geddes): That completes the business before the Grand Committee this afternoon. The Committee stands adjourned.

The Committee adjourned at 6.21 pm.

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