However, the best moments of a very long day centred on why the Cabinet Committee chaired by Mr Clegg and charged with bringing forward a Bill would meet in camera, issue no minutes and include Conservative, Labour and Lib Dem members, but exclude the Crossbenchers.

Baroness D’Souza (Convenor of the Crossbenchers) revealed that Mr Clegg had told her: “I want a clear and explicit political consensus, which I would not get if you were on the committee.”

I think that provides the clearest insight into the thinking of the Coalition I have yet found. Consensus is becoming a precious Coalition objective, best achieved it seems by standing in front a mirror and talking to one’s self.