David Norris (Independent)

I am very glad this matter has been raised. It would, perhaps, have had a slightly better chance if we had thought - we did, but it was too late before bringing the recommendation before the House - to insert the words "in addition to all other related Acts" in this Bill. However, I was glad that, even though the word "spouse" did not appear with the frequency that might have supported my recommendation, it did at least appear a couple of times. How embarrassing would it have been if I had tabled this recommendation and the word "spouse", for technical reasons, had not appeared in the Bill at all?

I will end on a positive note. I thank my colleagues for supporting this recommendation and, in particular, the Minister. It is a positive and an historic recommendation, but I will withdraw it in the light of what the Minister said.