As we've heard, amendments 4 and 43 clarify the way in which the subsections of the relevant sections inter-relate, stating for the avoidance of doubt that the ombudsman's decision whether to begin, continue or discontinue an investigation is subject to the provisions in subsection (1), which specify the matters the ombudsman is entitled to investigate.

Amendments 5 and 44 are also updated for the sake of clarity without changing the intended policy for approving the criteria for own-initiative investigations.

Finally, amendment 19 clarifies the circumstances in which the ombudsman has a duty to consult other commissioners, as appropriate. This ensures that the ombudsman must consult, whenever they investigate on their own initiative, even if they could have investigated some or all of the same matter as a normal complete investigation. These amendments do not change the intended policy of the Bill, but will provide clarity on the way in which it's intended to work in practice, and I hope Members will join me in supporting them today.