Clause 2 - Service of overseas process: supplementary
Crime (International Co-operation) Bill [Lords]
11:00 am
Mr James Paice (South East Cambridgeshire, Conservative)
The hon. Lady can expand on that point when we reach the next group of amendments. They address that issue precisely, but I will not trespass on your generosity by launching into that, Mr. Benton. I understand her point, but I was simply making the point that the precedent for the use of that phrase has been set in law.
When we considered the insertion of the word ''legal'', I followed the Minister's argument with interest, and I accept that the Government may wish to seek other advice. The term ''legal'' may be construed as too prescriptive. It is terribly important that people get an explanation of the legal situation that they face with respect to British law and the obligations that might be imposed by the service of the process, and the legal implications of whatever has been served from another country. The phrase ''legal'' may directly imply that one has to employ a lawyer. The Minister and I probably share some concerns about that because neither of us are lawyers. It is important that people receive advice about the law. I hope that the Minister will reflect on that.
I listened with interest to the debate on the Liberal Democrat amendment. The amendment about ordinary language is the lead amendment. I will withdraw that but, if the Liberal Democrats want to pursue their amendment, that is a matter for them. In
the absence of any intervention, I beg to ask leave to withdraw the amendment.
Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
Clause 2 ordered to stand part of the Bill.