I remind the Committee that with this we are discussing the following amendments: No. 17, in Clause 3, page 2, line 20, leave out 'and (4)' and insert 'to (4A)'.

No. 16, in clause 3, page 2, line 32, leave out subsection (5) and insert—

'(4A) Each of the civil partners shall, either before or after signing the civil partnership document under subsection (1) and in the presence of the witnesses and the civil partnership registrar—

(a) make one of the following declarations: either ''I do solemnly declare that I know not of any lawful impediment why I, AB, may not be joined in civil partnership to CD'' or ''I declare that I know of no legal reason why I (name) may not be joined in civil partnership to (name)''; and

(b) say to the other civil partner either ''I call upon these persons here present to witness that I, AB, do take thee, CD, to be my civil partner'', or ''I (name) take you (or thee) (name) to be my civil partner''.

(4B) Subject to this section, the registration of a civil partnership may be accompanied by such form and ceremony as the civil partners may see fit to adopt.'.

No. 184, in clause 3, page 2, line 32, leave out from 'used' to end of line 33 and insert

'for or in connection with the formation of a civil partnership by registration'.