Scotland Bill

Debate between Lord Campbell of Pittenweem and William Bain

Thursday 26th April 2012 Commons Chamber

[Sir Menzies Campbell]

I am grateful to the hon. Gentleman for giving way, as I deduced that he was about to conclude. Is it not important to remember that the case of Cadder raised the issue of the right to legal representation and advice for someone in police custody, and that the case of Fraser raised the issue of the responsibility of the prosecuting authorities to make available to the defence all relevant evidence, perhaps to assist the defence in making a stronger case? Given that those are fundamental human rights issues is it not the case that the Supreme Court is exactly the place to determine compatibility?

[Mr Bain]

I entirely agree with the right hon. and learned Gentleman. One of the strengths of the devolution settlement is that it allows a court of the seniority of the Supreme Court to make these determinations. It would have been wholly irresponsible to remove these basic protections from people in criminal cases in the way that other politicians in the Scottish Parliament sought to achieve.

We are content with the amendments that have been made by the Lords and we will support them in the Chamber today.

Lords amendment 9 agreed to.

Lords amendments 10 and 11 agreed to.

Clause 25

Speed limits