Mark Harper (Shadow Minister, Work & Pensions; Forest of Dean, Conservative)

I want to make just one brief comment on clause 45—[Interruption.] I hope that the Minister for Employment and Welfare Reform will stop groaning.

The first part of the clause concerns consequential amendments to subordinate legislation. Subsection (1) says:

“The Secretary of State may by regulations made by statutory instrument make such provision amending or revoking any instrument made under any other Act before the passing of this Act as appears to the Secretary of State to be appropriate in consequence of any provision of this Act, other than a provision contained in Part 2.”

I want to probe why it is felt appropriate to have powers to make consequential amendments to subordinate legislation for parts 1, 3 and 4 of the Bill, but not part 2. We had a good debate on the right to control in part 2, and I can see no good reason why it was excluded. Perhaps the Minister can explain that to the Committee.

Tony McNulty (Minister of State (Employment and Welfare Reform; Minister for London), Department for Work and Pensions; Harrow East, Labour)

Separate provision is made for the right to control under clause 36.

Mark Harper (Shadow Minister, Work & Pensions; Forest of Dean, Conservative)

That is a good explanation—and a quick one. On that basis, I am content.