§ [The Deputy Chairman of Committees (Lord Ampthill) in the Chair.]
§ The Deputy Chairman of Committees (Lord Ampthill)Before I put the Question that the Title be postponed, it may be helpful to remind your Lordships of the procedure for today's Committee stage. Except in one important respect, our proceedings will be exactly as in a normal Committee of the Whole House. We shall go through the Bill clause by clause; noble Lords will speak standing; all noble Lords are free to attend and participate; and the proceedings will be recorded in Hansard. The one difference is that the House has agreed that there shall be no Divisions in the Grand Committee. Any issue on which agreement cannot be reached should be considered again at the Report stage when, if necessary, a Division may be called. Unless, therefore, an amendment is likely to be agreed to, it should be withdrawn.
I should explain what will happen if there is a Division in the Chamber, which is likely this afternoon I understand, while we are sitting. The Committee will adjourn as soon as the Division Bells are rung and will resume after 10 minutes.
I understand that the noble and learned Lord the Leader of the House would like to say a few words before I proceed with the business of the Committee.
§ The Lord Privy Seal (Lord Williams of Mostyn)I am grateful, my Lord Chairman. It is simply to indicate, I hope for the assistance of the Committee, that we have taken the view that this is an extremely important Bill. I have discussed matters with the Lord Chancellor and the Attorney General, and it has been agreed, therefore, that the noble Baroness, Lady Scotland, as the Minister from the Lord Chancellor's department, will deal with Part 1 and the Attorney-General will deal with Part 2. I hope that that is helpful.
Title postponed.
§ Lord Smith of Cliftonmoved Amendment No. 1:
Before Clause 1, insert the following new clause—
§ "THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM
§ Aims of the Criminal Justice System