§ 7.1 p.m.
§ The Lord Chancellor (Lord Mackay of Clashfern) rose to move, That the draft regulations laid before the House on 20th June be approved [24th Report from the Joint Committee].
§ The noble and learned Lord said: My Lords, Section 44 and Schedule 4(2) of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 abolish committal for trial and replace it with a new procedure of transfer for trial.
§ This instrument makes a purely technical amendment to the Legal Advice and Assistance (Scope) Regulations 1989, consequential on the transfer for trial provisions. The amendment is intended to preserve the current scope of legal advice and assistance under the Magistrates' Court Duty Solicitor scheme as far as is possible under the new procedure. It will come into force at the same time as the transfer for trial provisions are implemented. That is to say, it will be enforced but it will take effect at the same time as the transfer for trial provisions are implemented. The amendment is intended neither to extend nor to reduce the scope of assistance or representation and I commend this instrument to the House.
§ Moved, That the draft regulations laid before the House on 20th June be approved [24th Report from the Joint Committee].—(The Lord Chancellor.)
§ On Question, Motion agreed to.
§ Baroness TrumpingtonMy Lords, I beg to move that the House do now adjourn during pleasure until 8 p.m.
§ Moved accordingly, and, on Question, Motion agreed to.
§ [The Sitting was suspended from 7.2 to 8 p.m.]