Clause 6 - Rape of a child under 13
Sexual Offences Bill [Lords]
9:45 am
Mr Humfrey Malins (Woking, Conservative)
We have had a useful opening debate in which we have laid out some thoughts. The amendments, which I shall seek leave to withdraw, would not sort out what you and I, Mr. Griffiths, might call the consent issue. That problem remains, and we shall return to it in clauses 7 and 8.
We should remember that clause 6 deals with rape of a child under 13, which is an extremely serious matter. Other, more forceful points will be made in respect of clauses 7 and 8, particularly about the consent issue. I am pleased that the Minister said he would reflect on the issue of maximum penalties; I am sure that he will seek to make progress on those matters between now and Report. I am sure that discussions will continue to see if there is a perfect answer to some of the problems we have placed before the Committee.
On behalf of my hon. Friends, I thank the Minister sincerely for his reply. To enable the debate to move on to clauses 7 and 8 and beyond, I beg to seek leave to withdraw the amendment.
Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.
Clause 6 ordered to stand part of the Bill.