Mr Gerry Sutcliffe (Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Employment Relations, Competition and Consumers), Department of Trade and Industry; Bradford South, Labour)

It is usual at this time for me to thank you, Mr. Forth, and Mr. Stevenson for chairing our proceedings so excellently. You have led us through difficult times, and the Committee is grateful for your advice and support. I also thank the Clerks, the Hansard reporters, the police and the attendants for their support in the work of the Committee throughout its deliberations.

I enjoyed the contributions of the hon. Member for Huntingdon, although I have not always agreed with them, which was evident. I would like to pass on my regard to the hon. Member for North-West Norfolk for leading on the Front Bench, and to the hon. Members for Weston-super-Mare and for Gordon for their work. I also thank my excellent colleagues and hon. Friends for their sterling work throughout the lifespan of the Committee. I am sure that on Report we will have further discussion and deliberation.

Mr Brian Cotter (Shadow Minister (Trade & Industry), Trade & Industry; Weston-Super-Mare, Liberal Democrat)

I, too, wish to thank you, Mr. Forth, and Mr. Stevenson for chairing this Committee. It has generally been very good-natured, and I hope that it will result in an improvement in relations between employers and employees. I also thank the staff and the support staff for their work.

I particularly welcome the attempt by the hon. Member for Hamilton, South to address the issue of tips. I sat on the Committee that dealt with the minimum wage. There was an all-night sitting, which was tiring and difficult. I am glad that we did not have one under your chairmanship, Mr. Forth, and that of Mr. Stevenson. On tips, I always try to slip a few coins into the hand of the person I want to give the money to. That is one of the best things to do.

Mr Jim Sheridan (West Renfrewshire, Labour)

Silver or gold?

Mr Brian Cotter (Shadow Minister (Trade & Industry), Trade & Industry; Weston-Super-Mare, Liberal Democrat)

Gold, of course.

I thank everyone, including Members on the Government Benches whose expertise, knowledge and experience have led to elucidation on some points. Their contributions have been helpful.

Mr Jonathan Djanogly (Huntingdon, Conservative)

I thank you, Mr. Forth, and Mr. Stevenson for your chairmanship, and the Clerks and the support staff for making it a well-run Committee. It has been well managed and there has been a generally positive attitude from all parties—at least to moving the legislation forward—and there has almost invariably been good humour.

Question put and agreed to.

Bill, as amended, to be reported.

Committee rose at seven minutes past Eleven o'clock.