David Norris (Independent)

I will push it to a voice vote, but not a full vote because there are other significant issues to be raised and I want the Minister of State to listen to the outrage of Members on those, particularly with regard to the way the poorly paid and farmers are being squeezed by provisions of the Bill.

The issue I raised is important, but it has not been addressed with the degree of seriousness it needs. The attitude of the European Central Bank and its director is perfectly clear, but the Minister of State did not reflect on that. We have received a slap on the wrist. As far as they are concerned, we have behaved ultra vires, but the Minister of State did not refer to that. It is quite clear from his slightly disingenuous answer that the requirements for consultation have not been met and that this was being done unilaterally. Now, he states the Minister is open to consultation. I do not want to exclude any section from taxation, including myself, but it must be done properly. This purports to be a levy but the European Central Bank states it is taxation. Politically, that is what I would like the Government to do and I have stated it time and again. We should be dealing with this through a fair and measured approach to taxation, which can be very severe. This is put forward to us as a measure. Last night on Second Stage the Minister of State denied it was taxation. Now the European Central Bank states that it is taxation and it violates some of our treaty obligations. I take that matter extremely seriously but perhaps the Minister of State does not.

I will not press the amendment to a vote because there are other matters that need to be examined. It would be selfish, self-important and not in the interests of this House for me to press the amendment to a vote, which we would inevitably lose. At least I have left on the record sufficient material for this matter to be taken up, perhaps by other people and in other fora.