§ Mr. RifkindI beg to move amendment No. 169, in page 19, line 29, leave out from '(2)' to 'an' in line 30.
My hon. and learned Friend the Solicitor-General for Scotland undertook in Committee to consider amending the clause to remove any possibility of double jeopardy. We felt that there was no substantial risk of double jeopardy in view of the Interpretation Act 1978. However, in order to make the matter abundantly clear, I know that the House will agree that we should deal with the matter as proposed by deleting the phrase:
Without prejudice to any power which the court may have to deal with the accused for contempt".This clarifies the matter beyond doubt. I commend the amendment to the House.
§ Mr. Harry EwingI thank the Minister for honouring the commitment given in Committee. My right hon. and hon. Friends would like to express our gratitude to the Minister for bringing forward the amendment
§ Amendment agreed to.