Clause 63
Serious Crime Bill
9:00 am
Douglas Hogg (Sleaford and North Hykeham, Conservative)
I was the worst Whip there has ever been, and I had great contempt for those who did what I told them to do—but enough of that. None the less, I congratulate my hon. Friend on his promotion; I am pleased for him, and he deserves it.
You will remember, Mr. Bercow, that I have been busily expressing my opinion at some length on many clauses. Although I have relatively little knowledge of the prevention of fraud or of the data exchanging provisions, I nevertheless smell a rat when I see one. It is plain that the powers being taken under part 3 are extensive, as they include substantial provisions on information exchange. I acknowledge that the objective—to prevent fraud within Government Departments—is entirely benign, but as I have said before on many occasions, all power, once given, is abused. It is therefore right that the Committee and the House should look carefully at what is proposed.
At the moment, the clause deals exclusively with executive decisions, namely, arrangements for the exchange of information between designated organisations; but no provision has been made for the parliamentary supervision of that process. Amendment No. 154 would make provision for a scheme to be laid before Parliament for its approval, so Parliament would at least have the opportunity to consider the scheme of which the Government conceive, and it would have the opportunity also to approve or disapprove the same.
I suggest that the amendment offers a sensible way forward—indeed, so sensible is it that that the Government have tabled new clause 11, backed by new clause 12. It is always churlish not to welcome an erring sinner when he returns to the flock. I would have some difficulty should the hon. Member for Grantham and Stamford (Mr. Davies) seek to do so, but although it is likely it has not happened yet. The Minister has shown a desire to follow the kind of thinking that I have outlined, and I welcome his attempt. However, it is not sufficient.