Clause 8 - Trial by Special Tribunal

Part of Northern Ireland (Offences) Bill – in a Public Bill Committee at 11:23 pm on 13 December 2005.

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Photo of Mark Durkan Mark Durkan Leader of the Social Democratic & Labour Party 11:23, 13 December 2005

Again, I am grateful to the Minister for trying to make the point. We know from the other provisions, however, that there will be all sorts of limitations on whatever information is brought before the tribunal. The Secretary of State can insist on anonymity as far back as at the certification stage, and can certify that all sorts of information relevant to cases is not to be given to anyone other than to the certification commissioner and himself. I therefore do not see the need for the tribunal to have the sort of protection that the Minister mentions. In any case, if other provisions ensure that the tribunal acts with the same powers as the Crown court or the High Court, again I do not see the need for the Government to resist the amendment.