HC Deb 23 July 1963 vol 681 cc1370-1
Lady Tweedsmuir

I beg to move, in page 9, line 1, to leave out lines 1 to 8 and insert: (2) Subject to the provisions of subsection (4) thereof, this section applies—

  1. (a) to any person serving a sentence of imprisonment for a term of three years or more;
  2. (b) to any person serving a sentence of imprisonment for a term of not less than six months, but less than three years, who is under the age of twenty-six years at the commencement of the sentence.
Would it be convenient, Mr. Deputy-Speaker, if we considered with this Amendment that in page 9, line 14?

Mr. Deputy-Speaker

Yes.

Lady Tweedsmuir

These Amendments are purely drafting Amendments. They make no change of substance. The hon. Member for Kilmarnock (Mr. Ross) made a number of criticisms of the drafts of the Clause in Committee upstairs. As I said at the time, I thought that the Clause read reasonably clearly. I have had it examined, however, to see whether the drafting could be improved and I hope that the hon. Member will agree that these Amendments are an improvement.

Mr. Ross

For clarity, lucidity and simplicity, these words could not be bettered and I am glad that the hon. Lady has at least listened to some of our criticism from this side of the House.

Amendment agreed to.

Further Amendment made: In page 9, line 14, leave out from beginning to first "in" in line 17 and insert: (4) This section shall not apply to persons serving a sentence of imprisonment commencing before such date as may be prescribed by order of the Secretary of State under this subsection; and any such order may prescribe different dates in respect of sentences described in paragraphs (a) and (b) respectively of subsection (2) of this section, and,"—[Lady Tweedsmuir.]