Clause 5
Political Parties and Elections Bill
12:15 pm
Michael Wills (Minister of State, Ministry of Justice; North Swindon, Labour)
The hon. Gentleman is normally extremely courteous, but I point out that I have given an undertaking to the Committee that if parliamentary counsel think the matter can be clarified, it will be clarified.
We do not think there is any drafting defect. Obviously a vote is the essence of democracy and I would not for a moment resist that, but I have given an undertaking to the Committee, and by saying that we have no guarantee that this will ever be sorted out, the hon. Gentleman is slightly taking issue with what I have said. I hope he did not intend to cast doubt on the assurance I have given the Committee. I would be grateful to have his confirmation of that put on the record.