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That is helpful. I was just trying to understand the position, because the memorandum talks about changing circumstances. Over that longer period, there have been lots of changing circumstances and, if the principles have generally remained constant, I would just like to understand the efficiency argument for changing them. However, that is more of a comment than a question.

What would that look like, as a process? You mentioned having a statement of reasons. I am just trying to understand where that would fit in. Obviously, all secondary legislation that comes to the Parliament comes with an explanation from the Government, setting out the need for it at the time.

Sorry to interrupt, but have you asked for any more information from the Government?

So, on balance, you are not in support of the legislation as proposed.

I will just put that issue to one side and ask you to step away from that position, because obviously we are focusing on the delegated powers in the bill. Do you think that, with the model that the Government has opted for, there is a problem with the specific delegated powers?

Thank you.

I want to come back on your point about the number of independent law firms. I assume that the numbers that you gave relate to big whole-service law firms.

I want to ask about the guarantee fund. Paragraph 6 of schedule 1 makes further provision about the guarantee fund. Commenting on the power, the Law Society noted:

“This has the potential for significant change to be made which may adversely impact ... the Fund”.

It also noted that there is

“no requirement for the Lord President’s consent”.

Will you elaborate further and give your view on the power and the consultation requirements that are associated with it?

I want to ask about section 46(3), which allows Scottish ministers to make, by regulations, further provision to reconcile regulatory conflicts, with the requirement again to get the Lord President’s consent before doing so. I am aware that you have questioned the need for this subsection, too, but do you have any further comments on it?

In which case, I will move on to ask about section 49, which I know has already been touched on, at least in passing. It provides that the Scottish ministers may establish by regulations a body with a view to it becoming a category 1 regulator and may specify

“circumstances under which the Scottish ministers may directly authorise and regulate legal businesses.”

The bill states that ministers must obtain the consent of the Lord President before making such regulations and, even then, make them only if they believe them to be necessary as a last resort.

Again, I am interested in your reflections on that delegated power and any other concerns that you have with it that have not already been stated. Do you consider that it is effectively hemmed in?