David Norris (Independent)

I welcome the Minister of State's response. I would like to tease it out more regarding the date. The signing in Oslo is on 3 December. That is very soon and we will not have the Bill in force by then. Could the Minister of State provide a timescale? He has given the reasons for a possible delay, that we need to bring all our practices into alignment with the provisions of the Bill so we are not caught on a technicality. If we are among the first to sign it, it would give us a certain kudos. Will the Minister of State give us some idea of how long this process may take? The 3 December date is next week. A degree of urgency may be removed.

It would be good to have a headline and I have known that to happen with other Bills. We have early signature motions. Perhaps it will be done by 3 December and that may be our good news for Christmas. If not, will it take three months or six months? Is this a result of advice from the legal people of the Army?