International Development Bill [Lords]
10:30 am
Dr Jenny Tonge (Richmond Park, Liberal Democrat)
I welcome what I can only describe as a getting together of chums. One of the chums has changed, so I give a big welcome to our new chum, the hon. Member for Meriden (Mrs. Spelman). As she says, we have been through all this before; but as we have a new chum, it will be slightly different this time, which will make the proceedings even more interesting.
We do not propose at this stage—although we may change our mind on Report—to table amendments to the Bill, because we tabled amendments to the previous International Development Bill in the last Parliament and, as I said on Second Reading, most of my questions were answered satisfactorily. I took my own independent legal advice on those that were not—on tied aid—and was satisfied. I have gone to great lengths to satisfy myself about the Bill. I welcome the Committee stage, and hope that we can get through it as amicably as possible.
Question put and agreed to.