§ The Solicitor-GeneralI beg to move amendment No. 286, in page 7, line 12, at end insert—
'(5A) No court shall make any section 7 order which is to have effect for a period which will end after the child has reached the age of sixteen unless it is satisfied that the circumstances of the case are exceptional.'.
§ Mr. SpeakerWith this it will be convenient to take Government amendment No. 147.
§ The Solicitor-GeneralThese amendments provide that section 7 orders should not be made in relation to children over the age of 16 except in exceptional circumstances. This is obviously sensible. Amendment No. 147 simply corrects a slip. I commend the amendments to the House.
§ Amendment agreed to.