Clause 90 - Civil recovery: freezing orders
Serious Organised Crime and Police Bill
3:45 pm
Mr Dominic Grieve (Shadow Attorney General, Home Affairs; Beaconsfield, Conservative)
I am grateful for that explanation, particularly about the situation in Scotland. In view of the principles that we apply these days, we would certainly not want to impose primary legislation of this kind without the consent of the Scottish Executive and the Scottish Parliament. If that is how they want to keep matters, so be it.
I can only repeat my delight at seeing that common sense has prevailed in respect of what happens south of the border. It seemed when we introduced the original measure that it was going to bring the legal system into disrepute, and that has proved to be the case. People have complained that legal aid is being milked when both criminal and civil legal aid are being hugely squeezed while individuals have substantial assets that could be used for the purposes of their own representation. Clearly, the legal expenses have to be reasonable. In fairness to the Minister who served on that Committee, with whom I had an amicable relationship, he did express the concern that Mr. Bigs would somehow fritter away their assets as a way of preventing their seizure. His concern was legitimate, but with proper control the system that we are bringing into being is much better. I welcome it, and beg to ask leave to withdraw the amendment.
Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.