Defamation Bill

Baroness McIntosh of Hudnall Excerpts

Wednesday 19th December 2012 Grand Committee

Returning to the point that this will be better if we converse, I want to converse between now and Report stage to get Clause 4 as right as we can. It will be tested by the judges, although I am not sure whether it will be quite a cottage industry or whether it will be, as the noble Lord, Lord Triesman said, even larger. If we get it as right as we can, we will be doing a good day’s work. Do I now move my amendment?

[The Deputy Chairman of Committees (Baroness McIntosh of Hudnall)]

Perhaps I could assist the Committee by suggesting that the noble Lord, Lord Phillips of Sudbury, has proposed an amendment as an amendment to Clause 14. Does he wish to move it?

[Lord Phillips of Sudbury]

I do not. The noble Lord, Lord McNally, has given as satisfactory a reply as is possible in the circumstances.

[The Deputy Chairman of Committees]

My Lords, perhaps I may suggest to the noble Lord, Lord Phillips, that if he is not going to move his amendment he should not speak to it.

[Lord Phillips of Sudbury]

He shuts up?

[The Deputy Chairman of Committees]

If he would not mind.

[Lord Phillips of Sudbury]

He shuts up forthwith.