Written evidence to be reported to the House

Part of Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill – in a Public Bill Committee at 5:30 pm on 16 October 2007.

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Photo of David Heath David Heath Shadow Leader of the House of Commons 5:30, 16 October 2007

There is an argument for aggravated offence, which I believe you mentioned.

I am sorry, but there is a further practical difficulty. This is a small point, but it would be helpful to have a professional view. There is an exemption for a person who is obtaining medical advice, treatment or care. Most people on NHS premises fall into that category. Do you think that a police officer attending a hospital would be able satisfactorily to ascertain whether the person is attending for care, treatment or otherwise, and at that point therefore would not be able to use the offence? Is that a difficulty that is unnecessarily prescriptive?