Children and young people

Part of Prisons and Courts Bill – in a Public Bill Committee at 5:15 pm on 18 April 2017.

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Photo of Oliver Heald Oliver Heald The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice 5:15, 18 April 2017

I do not disagree with the hon. Gentleman about being cautious—as a Conservative, it comes naturally. Having said that, there are a range of safeguards in the Bill, for example the fact that the parents and guardians are involved and that the parent has to be made aware of the written proceedings if they are not already aware. That has to be investigated. The online procedure will explain matters, as well as the oral explanations that always take place in the youth courts.

We obviously do not agree about this, but I invite the Committee to support clause 30, which will help rather than hinder the cause of young people in the courts, and schedule 3.