HL Deb 18 March 1980 vol 407 cc168-9

[References are to [Bill 131] as first printed for the Commons.]

[Nos. 1–4]

Clause 144, page 69, line 7, leave out 'in Northern Ireland or lsewwere'

Clause 144, page 69, line 8, leave out '£50

and insert the statutory maximum'

Clause 144, page 69, line 13, after ' elsewhere ',

insert in the United Kingdom '

Clause 144, page 69, line 15, at end insert—

' (2) In subsection (1) above"the statutory maximum ", in relation to a fine on summary conviction, means—

(a) in England and Wales, the prescribed sum within the meaning of section 28 of the Criminal Law Act 1977 (at the passing of this Act £1,000);

(b) in Scotland, the prescribed sum within the meaning of section 289B of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1975 (at the passing of this Act £1,000); and

(c) in Northern Ireland, £50.'

The LORD CHANCELLOR

My Lords, with the leave of the House, I should like to speak to all the amendments together and to put the Question as a single Question. I beg to move that the House doth agree with the Commons in their amendments. Amendments Nos. 1, 2 and 4 are all connected, and Amendment No. 3 is a minor drafting amendment. Amendments Nos. 1 and 2 bring Clause 144 of the Bill (which deals with penalties for assisting desertion) into line with the existing law regarding maximum fines, contained in Section 28 of the Criminal Law Act 1977 and Section 289B of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1975. These two sections increase within their respective jurisdictions the maximum fine which may be imposed in Great Britain on summary conviction, and provide that such maximum may be altered by order on a change in the value of money.

Amendment No. 4 defines the phrase"the statutory maximum"as used in Amendment No. 2. The difference in the level of fines in Great Britain, on the one hand, and Northern Ireland, on the other, reproduces the existing law. These three amendments correct an oversight in the drafting of the Bill, and make no changes in the substantive law. Amendment No. 3 is a minor drafting amendment, which clarifies the word"elsewhere"where it appears in its context. I beg to move.

Moved, That this House doth agree with the Commons in the said amendments.—(The Lord Chancellor.)

On Question, Motion agreed to.