Part of the debate – in the House of Lords at 1:00 am on 14 October 2003.
The Minister has described why the Government feel that my amendment is unnecessary. He referred to the guidance issued last year. The point made by the Magistrates' Association is that that guidance is insufficient and that there is still a need for local consultation on a statutory basis. Without that, the process will not be effective. I feel that I have a duty to the Magistrates' Association and its representations and I beg to test the opinion of the Committee.