Official Report: Minutes of Evidence

The Chairperson (Mr O'Toole): In members' meeting packs is an extract from the UK Government's consultation, "Tying the Knot: Reforming weddings law in England and Wales". I do not think that they needed to give it that silly, soft title. They could have just said, "Reforming weddings law", but that is just my own personal preference.

The Committee Clerk: Do you find, Chair, that, these days, consultations like to have a tag line?

The Chairperson (Mr O'Toole): Yes, but I do not think that a tag line is needed. Sorry: that is just a completely boring personal preference.

The chapter relates only to a proposed dignity framework — "dignity framework" meaning the solemnity of the process. We discussed that last week. The consultation closed on 24 September — six days ago — and feedback is being analysed. The consultation was raised at last week's meeting, as I said. If members are content, we will add that to the Committee report to provide fulsome information for other Members of the Assembly.

The Chairperson (Mr O'Toole): Does anybody want to comment on that? No? Grand. In that case, we will move on. It will be added to the evidence base in our final report when the Bill progresses.

There is a table in the meeting pack on the differences between a limited company and a charity. That arose during the oral evidence session with the two humanist bodies. I just note that so that members will be aware.

The Committee Clerk: Chair, that is not particularly germane to the Bill, but we wanted to provide that clarification in case members were concerned.

The Chairperson (Mr O'Toole): OK.