Clause 4 - Exemptions from licensing requirement
Private Security Industry Bill [Lords]
5:30 pm
Mr Ronnie Fearn (Southport, Liberal Democrat)
I beg to move amendment No. 22, in page 4, line 34, leave out
``or, as the case may be,''
and insert ``and''.
The provision for exemption from licensing requirements seems reasonable; we all agree on that. However, we are concerned about the wide discretion given to the Secretary of State. Should not the authority, as the standard-setting body, agree whether an exemption is suitable? It would also be helpful to know when the Government envisage granting exemptions. Would they consider specifying in the Bill grounds on which exemptions might be allowed? As things stand, the Secretary of State can grant exemptions when suitable alternative arrangements exist, so in theory everyone is eligible for an exemption. Should there not be additional reasons for allowing exemptions, such as public interest grounds, which seem already to be established in the Bill? Perhaps the Minister will comment on that.
Given those concerns, we have tabled an amendment that would limit the Secretary of State's discretion. The amendment would require that both the authority ``and'' the Secretary of State be satisfied. It makes sense to require the authority to be consulted, as it will set the standards. It is a small and sensible amendment, so perhaps the Minister will accept it.