Clause 29
Legal Services Bill [Lords]
Public Bill Committees, 19 June 2007, 4:15 pm
John Hemming (Birmingham, Yardley, Liberal Democrat)
He will be here soon. It is not a game; I think going into the “we” is out of order.
The point in English law is that it is the perception of external influence—the perception of bias—which is the key driver. Although it has been argued that “prejudiced” is a stronger word and it may have more emotive value than other words, it is actually much easier to prove improper influence than it is to prove prejudice, which presumes that a matter has been prejudged. To that extent, the amendment would tighten up the legislation and, although it may be a probing amendment, the Minister should look on it favourably.