§
Lords Amendment: No. 5, in page 18, line 43, leave out paragraph (b) and insert:
() conceals from a person acting in the exercise of his powers under subsection (1) above any such books, documents, stocks or drugs as are mentioned in that subsection; or
() without reasonable excuse (proof of which shall lie on him) fails to produce any such books or documents as are so mentioned where their production is demanded by a person in the exercise of his powers under that subsection.
§ Mr. SharplesI beg to move, That this House doth agree with the Lords in the said Amendment.
The object of the Amendment is to make it quite clear that the offence of concealing books, documents, stocks or drugs, or of failing to produce books or documents, relates solely to the situation where a constable or other authorised person exercises the powers of search of business premises conferred by Clause 23(1).
§ Question put and agreed to.
§ Subsequent Lords Amendments agreed to.