New Clause

Part of Orders of the Day — Proceeds of Crime Bill – in the House of Commons at 6:15 pm on 18 July 2002.

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Photo of Ian Davidson Ian Davidson Labour/Co-operative, Glasgow Pollok 6:15, 18 July 2002

I would prefer not to take interventions, as we have had two major statements this afternoon. We are therefore left without much time to debate these matters.

I accept that there is a difference between bogus and artificially created debts. It is entirely possible, however, for debts to be created that are not artificial and bogus but are the product of spending sprees undertaken by people who know that they are likely to be found guilty, and who know that they are likely to have all their assets seized. Those debts would be genuine, but, none the less, they are created in a way that is deliberately designed to thwart the means of this Bill.

As I said, it is a matter of going out on spending sprees, buying consumables and clothes and giving away presents. Some of those could be chased up at great personal expense, but none the less it gives a green light to abuses. Although some innocent people might be damaged by the measure, I cannot think of any other proposal that will not be abused by lawyers to clog up the machinery and to benefit the criminals. I hope that the House rejects the Lords amendment.