If she will make an estimate of the potential effect on the Law Officers' Department's budgets of implementing the proposals of the Cohabitation Bill.

The Government are not aware of any impact on the Law Officers' departmental budget as a result of the implementation of the Cohabitation Bill, which I understand is wholly about the post-relationship organisation of finances, and does not really touch on the Law Officers' functions.

I thank my hon. and learned Friend for that reply. I am delighted to hear that the proposal will not have any impact on her Department's budget, but may I ask her to emphasise to our right hon. and hon. Friends in the Ministry of Justice that the Cohabitation Bill, which is being supported by Lord Lester in the other place and by me, has as its aim and intention a fairer distribution of family income, and the prevention of women and their children being left destitute at the end of a family relationship? She has a long history as a champion of people's rights, and I hope that I can count on her in pursuing that cause.

Flattery will get my hon. Friend everywhere, so I will readily pledge support for her measure, but it does not, in truth, affect our Department at all. Of course, if I have an opportunity, I will make sure that Ministry of Justice Ministers understand that she has my support.