§ 9 Clause 20, page 15, line 46, at end insert 'or to be dealt with in respect of a sentence',.
§ The Lord ChancellorMy Lords, I beg to move that the House do agree with the Commons in their Amendment No. 9. Clause 20 deals with the courts and authorities which are competent to grant criminal legal aid. Clause 20(4) spells out the circumstances in which the magistrates' courts can 1207 grant legal aid for Crown Court proceedings. It has been pointed out that it is normal practice for magistrates' courts to grant legal aid when they are committing someone to the Crown Court to be dealt with in respect of a range of matters relating to sentence; for example, breach of conditions of sentence. The Bill as it stood probably did not allow for that. This amendment puts the matter beyond doubt and ensures that present practice can continue.
§ Moved, That the House do agree with the Commons in their Amendment No. 9.-(The Lord Chancellor.)
§ Lord Elwyn-JonesMy Lords, here again we on this side of the House welcome this amendment. It is a helpful extension.
§ On Question, Motion agreed to.