§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonI beg to move amendment No. 59, in page 14, line 45, leave out "other". Clause 17 is one of four clauses introduced in Committee to implement the recommendations contained in a report by the Scottish Law Commission, "Evidence—Hearsay Evidence in Criminal Proceedings", which was published on 23 February.
The amendment arises from our further consideration of the clauses. It will permit any party to the proceedings in which a hearsay statement has been admitted to seek the leave of the court to lead additional evidence. Clause 17(9) currently restricts that right to any party other than the party leading the evidence of a hearsay statement.
I hope that the amendment will accordingly be welcomed by the House.
Amendment agreed to.