I join in the thanks to you, Mr. Benton, and Sir John for the very courteous, polite and firm way in which you have conducted our proceedings. It was particularly inspired to arrange for the fire alarms to go off while we were discussing forest fires, and for my hon. Friend the Member for Newark to spill water all over our papers while we were discussing flooding. I also enjoyed the references to marsupials, toothless tigers and the odd sausage and chipolata.

This has been an extremely pleasant Committee, and I extend my thanks to the Minister for the courteous way that he has dealt with our attempts to amend the Bill. We do not feel that we have made much progress, but having said that I agree with the Minister about pre-legislative scrutiny. It is a very

worthwhile process, which we support. We would like to see more draft Bills go through that process, but we would also like the Committee proceedings to result in a few amendments.

I thank the Clerks, Mr. Healey and Mr. Patrick, for all that they have done to assist us. I also thank the police, the Badge Messengers, those recording our proceedings, and the Minister's officials who have been very kind in preparing and giving briefings to us through the Minister. Finally, I thank the Government Whip, the hon. Member for Lewisham, East, who has been a pleasure to ''usual channel'' with.