Clause 35

Part of – in a Public Bill Committee at 2:30 pm on 26 February 2009.

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Photo of Tony McNulty Tony McNulty Minister of State (Employment and Welfare Reform; Minister for London), Department for Work and Pensions 2:30, 26 February 2009

This will sound like I am a game show host, but I am not. The £5 million is in the bank—it is sorted and protected. Even if we accepted the amendment, the £5 million for the pilots would still be there, so the hon. Gentleman’s undue suspicion and uncharacteristic cynicism is misplaced. Beyond that, the actual phraseology is lifted from hundreds and thousands of pieces of UK statute legislation. The provision is simply a recognition that things cost money. It is focused on national implementation, not roll-out. Shame on the hon. Gentleman for even using such a strangulated form of English. The national implementation needs Treasury approval, as well as approval across Government. I would read no more into the phrase. I ask that it stays in there to copper-bottom the enthusiasm of the entire Government, including the Treasury, for what is outlined in clause 31. In that spirit I ask him to return to his polite and courteous ways and withdraw the amendment.