HL Deb 06 June 1967 vol 283 cc391-3
LORD SHEPHERD

My Lords, before the House adjourns, it may be for your Lordships' convenience if I inform

contaminated by prison. The reason why the Government oppose this Amendment is that, in so far as it lies within our power, we want to prevent as many young offenders as possible from being, unnecessarily in our view, contaminated by prison. I hope that this Amendment will not be pressed, or that if it is it will be defeated.

10.4 p.m.

LORD BROOKE OF CUMNOR

There is here a clear clash of opinion. We all hold our views in sincerity, and we on this side of the Committee have not been seeking to fight this Bill on Party lines, as must have been apparent to the Government. But here there is a difference of opinion. The fact that we are all agreed that hitherto there have been too many remands in custody is not a compelling reason for accepting that the Government have Clause 15(5) precisely right and incapable of improvement by Amendment. Because I genuinely think that the Amendment would improve the Bill, I do not feel that I can withdraw it.

10.5 p.m.

On Question, Whether the said Amendment (No. 19) shall be agreed to?

Their Lordships divided: Contents, 4; Not-Contents, 19.

CONTENTS
Brooke of Cumnor, L. Oakshott, L. [Teller.] Sandford, L. [Teller.
Dilhorne, V.
NOT-CONTENTS
Archibald, L. Kennet, L. Ritchie-Calder, L.
Bowles, L. [Teller.] Lindren, L. Shepherd. L.
Crook, L. Longford, E. (L. Privy Seal.) Sorensen, L.
Gaitskell, Bs. Morris of Kenwood, L. Stonham. L.
Gardiner, L. (L. Chancellor.) Pargiter, L. Strabolgi, L.
Granville-West, L. Peddie, L. Wootton of Abinger, Bs.
Hilton of Upton, L. [Teller.]

the House that we intend to take the Criminal Justice Bill Committee stage on Thursday next until about 8 to 8.30. I understand that it will be convenient that we should then resume the Committee stage on Monday and, if necessary, on Tuesday.

Perhaps I might make this appeal. As the House will know, there is a great deal of important legislation before the House prior to the Summer Recess. We do not know what demands may be placed upon our time in respect of the situation in the Middle East, and it will clearly be for the Government to see that time for a debate on that subject is provided. Therefore I hope the House will feel it right to co-operate in some way in the expedition of the consideration of this particular Bill; and I hope, also—as the House well knows, I have not the strength or the time, as we have found to-day, to maintain a quorum—that the House will agree to sit until a fairly late hour on Monday so that this important Bill can be given due consideration. I hope that, in the circumstances, we can obtain the support of the House not only in the examination of this piece of legislation, but all the other legislation that faces us between now and July.