HL Deb 14 July 1999 vol 604 cc476-7

(".—(1) Part I of the Second Schedule to the Children and Young Persons Act 1933 (constitution of youth courts outside the metropolitan area) is amended in accordance with subsections (2) to (5).

(2) Omit the headings "Outside Metropolitan Area" and "Youth court panels".

(3) Omit paragraph 1 (exclusion of inner London and the City of London from the scope of Part I).

(4) In paragraph 8 (as amended by Schedule 7) (prohibition on forming combined youth court panel unless the area consists of single commission area), at the end insert ", or includes the City of London".

(5) For paragraph 9 substitute—

"9. No order under this Schedule shall provide for the formation of a combined youth panel for an area unless the area consists of, or is wholly included in, the area of a single magistrates' courts committee."

(6) Omit Part II of that Schedule (particular provision for inner London and the City).")

Lord Falconer of Thoroton

My Lords, I beg to move that the House do agree with the Commons in their Amendment No. 98. I wish to speak also to Amendments Nos. 182, 194, 201, 223 and 228 to 230 inclusive.

This group of amendments provides for the operation of the youth courts in the light of other changes made in this Bill. Schedule 11 to the Children and Young Persons Act 1933 contains provisions relating to the constitution of the youth courts. These are different for the Metropolitan area, that is Inner London and the City, and the rest of the country, including the rest of Greater London. Outside the Metropolitan area much of the detail is set out in rules. However, in the Metropolitan area the relevant provisions are set out in primary legislation.

Amendment No. 98 creates a common legislative framework for youth courts throughout the country. Amendment No. 194 deals with the position of District Judges (magistrates' courts). Amendment No. 201 makes transitional provisions and Amendments Nos. 223 and 228 to 230 inclusive restructure the schedule of repeals to take account of Amendment No. 98. Amendment No. 182 is simply a drafting improvement. I commend the amendment to the House.

Moved, That the House do agree with the Commons in their Amendment No. 98.—(Lord Falconer of Thoroton.)

On Question, Motion agreed to.