HC Deb 27 March 1953 vol 513 cc969-70

Lords Amendment: In page 2, line 38. at end, insert New Clause "A": A. No prosecution under this Act shall be brought in England or Wales save by or with the consent of the Attorney General or the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Mr. Vaughan-Morgan

I beg to move. "That this House doth agree with the Lords in the said Amendment."

This Amendment also is a great improvement to the Bill. It means that no prosecution can be brought without the consent of the Attorney-General or the Director of Public Prosecutions. This Amendment also originated in another place and was put forward by a former Lord Chancellor and it proves the great value of the other place as a revising Chamber because, as a layman. I should not have thought of it.

When I originally considered this Amendment I was uncertain as to what the Attorney-General or the Director of Public Prosecutions could have to do with it, but on research I found that its purpose is to stop frivolous prosecutions. Why anybody should want to initiate frivolous prosecutions under this Bill when it becomes law passes my comprehension, but I am informed that such might be the intention of malicious people, and this Amendment will prevent that happening.

Mr. Champion

I beg to second the Motion.

Question put. and agreed to.