Clause 11 - Sending freezing orders
Crime (International Co-operation) Bill [Lords]
5:30 pm
Mr David Heath (Somerton and Frome, Liberal Democrat)
Again, I pick up on the hon. Gentleman's comments. First, I do not care what the arrangements are in another country for acquiring the evidence used in the procedures, provided they are in line with international treaty obligations and the domestic arrangements of that country. They can send the broker's men to gather the evidence as far as I am concerned, provided it is available for use in a British court. It sometimes seems that the hon. Member for Surrey Heath is so suspicious of overseas authorities that he does not want them to do what we want them to do on our behalf. I do not share his view. However, I share his concern on time limits, and I note that during proceedings in another place, in column GC63, the Advocate-General—[Interruption.] I am sorry; wrong country and wrong jurisdiction. I meant the Attorney-General. He said:
''We are sympathetic to the idea that there should be a time limit. We shall consider that point, and the drafting, and bring back a proposal.''—[Official Report, House of Lords, 23 January 2003; Vol. 643, c. GC63.]
We are waiting for that proposal. We hope very much that the Minister will now give that same assurance to the Committee, and that by Report he will have considered the matter and will have acceded to the view expressed by the Government in that instance. Perhaps he will consider bringing back a proposal for our consideration.