Kathleen O'Meara (Labour)

Without reference to the Oxford English Dictionary, I would have thought there is considerable difference between "shall" and "may", particularly in the context of legislation. On more than one occasion in this House I have heard long discussions on Committee and Report Stages about the difference between "shall" and "may". I accept the Minister has the Attorney General's advice in that regard but there is a considerable difference between "shall" and "may".

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.