Clause 2
Offender Management Bill
2:30 pm
James Brokenshire (Shadow Minister (Home Affairs), Home Affairs; Hornchurch, Conservative)
As the hon. Gentleman said, the amendments in this group deal with the issue of transparency. They would require the Secretary of State, to consult certain persons in exercising his function to ensure the sufficient provision of probation services. The amendment is essential in enabling us to know who the Secretary of State will consult, and who will therefore inform the decision on whether there is sufficient provision of probation services and on the manner in which they are to be provided. That is an important aspect of what we are trying to achieve in introducing transparency and clarity to the Bill.
I noted the Minister’s comments that a list might be limiting, but I take the contrary view: not having a list would narrow the field of people that the Secretary of State could consult. To take it to its most absurd limit, without the amendment there is nothing in the Bill that will require the Secretary of State to consult anybody, even his officials. That amendments are important because they make the consultation of certain people explicit.