Criminal Justice and Courts Bill

Baroness Pitkeathley Excerpts

Monday 20th October 2014 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Browning]

My Lords, I am most grateful—that is, I think I am grateful. This is a serious subject and it is incumbent on all of us, when legislation is passed, regardless of whatever view we have taken, to make sure that it is as legally sound as possible. I have sought advice to try to do that and I hope that that is helpful to the House. I am grateful to all Members who have contributed to the debate.

[The Deputy Speaker (Baroness Pitkeathley) (Lab)]

Is it your Lordships’ pleasure that this amendment be withdrawn?

[Baroness Browning]

I am not withdrawing the amendment.

[The Deputy Speaker]

The amendment has already been moved and the Minister has responded, so it is for the noble Baroness now to decide what she wishes to do with the amendment.

[Lord Marks of Henley-on-Thames]

My Lords, before my noble friend formally concludes speaking to the amendment in response to the Minister, perhaps I might indicate that in our view it is unsatisfactory that an amendment is reaching the statute book with very detailed amendments proposed by the noble Baronesses, Lady Berridge and Lady Browning, without the Government having expressed any view as to the degree to which they work. If what I suspect is now going to happen does happen, these amendments will be carried and this is the way that the Bill will go on to the statute book. We regard that as unsatisfactory. Perhaps consideration should be given to procedure on a Bill of this sort in future.

[Lord Faulks]

The Government’s position has not changed. Parliamentary counsel assisted the noble Baroness in making sure that the necessary amendments were properly and accurately drafted. I hope that that assists the noble Lord.

[The Deputy Speaker]

Does the noble Baroness wish to withdraw her amendment or seek the opinion of the House?

[Baroness Browning]

I do not wish to withdraw the amendment.