Criminal Justice Bill

Part of the debate – in the House of Lords at 6:45 pm on 15 September 2003.

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Photo of Lord Kingsland Lord Kingsland Conservative 6:45, 15 September 2003

I find that in this—dare I say it?—distastefully populist Bill there are many poisoned chalices. Chapter 11 contains pure strychnine. I have every sympathy with the Minister. She said in the course of her response to my amendment that clarity and certainty were crucial in this complex area of the law. If that is so, I am bound to say that the Government have got off to a very bad start in Clause 90.

I gather that the Minister is not inclined to accept the generous offer of the noble Lord, Lord Clinton, to go away and reconsider.