§ 11.4 a.m.
§ Mr. Neil Carmichael (Glasgow, Kelvingrove)I beg to move Amendment No. 1, in page2, line 15, leave out
(including the Lord Advocate for the public interest).
§ Mr. SpeakerIt may be convenient to take at the same time Amendments Nos.2 and 3.
§ Mr. CarmichaelThe amendments will ensure that reference to
any person having an interestincludes the Lord Advocate specifically. Although reference to the Lord Advocate was already included in Clauses 1 and 4, it is thought that it should be made clear that he is to be considered as taking an appropriate interest wherever the phrase occurs, notably in Clause 4(3). Rather than that there should be parenthetical references throughout the Bill, it is thought preferable to have one reference in the interpretation clause. The amendments make no alteration to the substance of the Bill.
§ The Lord Advocate (Mr. Ronald King Murray)I commend these amendments to the House. They are drafting improvements 818 and the net result is a clearer and better drafted Bill.
§ Amendment agreed to.