Clause 18 - Conditional cautions
Criminal Justice Bill
11:00 am
Mr Ian Lucas (Wrexham, Labour)
I am a little concerned about what would happen to an individual who did not make an admission in the initial interview at the police station but whose case was subsequently referred to the Crown Prosecution Service, which suggested a conditional caution. In those circumstances, it would be appropriate for the potential defendant to have legal advice; but the Bill makes no provision for that. That advice would be available at the police station, and I wonder whether my right hon. and learned Friend can give me some form of assurance that, in such circumstances, a potential defendant would be given the opportunity to take legal advice.