Clause 62 - Cases that may be retried
Criminal Justice Bill
11:00 am
Mr Humfrey Malins (Woking, Conservative)
Yes, we hope. The question that then arises is whether other cases were rejected. It would be helpful to know that; indeed, I think that I asked about it. If other cases were excluded, what was the reason? What was the cut-off point? None of that has been dealt with.
I raised the issue of burglary and aggravated burglary. I asked whether the Minister or those in the know thought that the offence against the elderly couple that I mentioned was as serious as some of the offences in the Bill. Answer came there none.
At the end, I argued—powerfully, I hope—that there was a case for saying, ''Why not take one step at a time?'' I have had no answers, and I am making a mild protest. I am sure that I will get them all after lunch. Indeed, even now, officials are setting about answering my questions, and I look forward to hearing further from the Minister. If he seeks to catch your eye on later clauses, Mr. Cran, and to provide some of the answers, I for one will not object.