Clause 25 - Release of evidence held under the order
Crime (International Co-operation) Bill [Lords]
2:30 pm
Mr Bob Ainsworth (Parliamentary Under-Secretary, Home Office; Coventry North East, Labour)
Mr. Hurst, you were not in the Chair this morning, so I have to say to you that I never started this. It was Lib-Labbery to start off with, and I only ever did what I often do, which was to retaliate a bit. I was provoked.
The hon. Member for Somerton and Frome makes his case very well, but I cannot at the moment give the
Committee what he asks for, which is an instance when the court might not authorise such a release. Where the European convention on human rights was being infringed, that would be apparent to the court, and it would comply, and release the information. The issue is whether we compel the court to do that or rely on it to do so.
If we cannot think of any reason why there should be some discretion in this area, we will give some consideration to the amendment. If the hon. Gentleman withdraws the amendment, we will reflect on it and return to it on Report, with a view to justifying the discretion in the Bill or to considering a similar amendment.