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148 Clause 36, page 33, line 34, at end insert—
'(12) A person shall be guilty of an offence if he intentionally obstructs any person exercising the power under subsection (2)(b) ro remove, or prevent the removal of, a child.
(13) A person guilty of an offence under subsection (12) shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.'.
§ The Lord ChancellorMy Lords, in moving agreement to this amendment I should like to speak also to Amendments Nos. 162, 209, 210 and 211.
This group of amendments rationalises various provisions for offences. Amendment No. 148 inserts an offence into Clause 36 which deals with the emergency protection of children. The amendment provides that a person who intentionally obstructs the holder of the emergency protection order in his exercise of these powers would be guilty of an offence attracting on summary conviction a fine not exceeding level 3.
Amendment No. 162 makes similar provision in relation to any person intentionally obstructing the holder of an emergency protection order who had been authorised to enter premises and search for a child under Clause 40(3).
Amendments Nos 209, 210 and 211 rationalise the penalties provided for in Clause 59 for offences committed in relation to private fostering. I beg to move.
§ Moved, That the House do agree with the Commons in the said amendment. —(The Lord Chancellor.)
§ On Question, Motion agreed to.