Clause 3 - Code of practice about use of information powers
Social Security Fraud Bill [Lords]
11:00 am
Mrs Jacqui Lait (Beckenham, Conservative)
First, I am happy to add my good wishes to the Govt Whip: it is always hard when people have to work on their birthdays. I am also happy to accept the Minister of State's strictures on the poor drafting of amendment No. 36. The issues can always be dealt with again on Report if necessary.
I was pleased to hear the Minister of State say that the negotiations may end with agreement. They are not yet ended. We do not expect the executive officers to be young, inexperienced or improperly trained. I accept the Minister's assurances that the officers will be of the highest calibre. I said so in my remarks.
The right hon. Gentleman said that the orders under RIPA had not yet been laid, so he could not comment. Potential problems stemming from the read-across remain. I hope that agreement between the Department and the industry will have been reached by the time we consider the Bill on Report and Third Reading. I withdraw the amendment on that basis, with the proviso that we may return to the matter on Report. I beg to ask leave to withdraw the amendment.
Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
Clause 3 ordered to stand part of the Bill.