§ As amended (in the Standing Committee, considered.
§ 3.52 p.m.
§ Sir Anthony Meyer (Flint, West)On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. I seek your guidance. The Long Title describes this measure as
An Act to amend the law…with respect to…the administration of criminal justice".I had very much wished to raise certain questions in connection with the administration of criminal justice. I am seriously concerned that the administration of criminal justice needs to be amended to correct a growing tendency in magistrates' courts for certain offenders on certain charges to be treated as guilty unless they produce cast-iron proof of being innocent and for the whole concept of requiring charges to be proved beyond reasonable doubt to have gone by the board. This applies especially to shoplifting offences.With a view to raising this issue I tabled New Clause 7. I make no complaint that it has not been selected. I understand, Mr. Speaker, that you cannot cover everything. However, I ask you to advise me how I can raise this issue in any of the debates that are to follow.
§ Mr. SpeakerI cannot do so at the moment. I shall have to consider whether there is any way in which I can help the hon. Gentleman.