Identity Cards Bill

Part of the debate – in the House of Lords at 10:45 pm on 12 December 2005.

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Photo of Lord Bassam of Brighton Lord Bassam of Brighton Government Whip, Government Whip 10:45, 12 December 2005

That was why I quoted the code. The code is a draft so in a sense this is a consultation, but perhaps the noble Lord thinks that other words could usefully be put into paragraph 6.15 that make the point better. The paragraph states:

"As a general guideline, where it appears that an individual is liable to a penalty and that it is reasonable in the circumstances to impose one, the Secretary of State would regard a figure of one quarter of the maximum penalty as appropriate. That figure may be further reduced if appropriate e.g. if there are mitigating circumstances".

So we have a gradation in mind. Perhaps we can reflect on the wording of the code as it is in draft form, but that is its intention.