Clause 98 - Admissibility of hearsay evidence
Criminal Justice Bill
10:45 am
Mr David Heath (Somerton and Frome, Liberal Democrat)
Mea culpa. I hope that the hon. and learned Lady does not carry that hurt to her grave, because I do now understand the specific point that she was making and can only plead my judicial ignorance for not recognising that point.
I repeat that I do not think that this is a high hurdle. I do think that it should be the starting gate for any consideration, and if there is need for subsequent exceptions, so be it. Nor do I necessarily see the requirement to apply this simple test as an unreasonable burden in proceedings. Indeed, as the Minister has been at pains to point out throughout his contributions on this clause, it is implicit in other provisions. We are simply seeking to make it explicit early in the provision, so that it qualifies the remainder of the clause. That seems sensible to me. I did not find the argument against it convincing; I am not sure how other members of the Committee feel about it, so perhaps it is appropriate to test their views.
Amendment negatived.
Clause 98 ordered to stand part of the Bill.