HL Deb 04 October 2000 vol 616 cc1648-9

(" . In section 2(1), section 2(2) and section 2(7) of the Sex Offenders Act 1997, for the words "14 days", there shall be substituted the words "48 hours".").

The noble Baroness said: Protection of the public is paramount. The registration of paedophiles established under the Sex Offenders Act 1997 has been generally welcomed, although in recent times a strengthening of the law has been pressed for by many concerned parents. This amendment, irrespective of any future changes, is important. Even the Minister in another place admitted: There is much strength in the argument that 14 days is too long".—[Official Report, Commons, 12/6/00; col. 708.]

There can be no argument for delaying this change. Having seen that the register is successful, we now want to tighten it up further. A registration scheme of 48 hours will achieve that. I beg to move.

Lord Bassam of Brighton

The noble Baroness will be aware that earlier I referred to an amendment which will reduce the 14-day period to three days. I was very tempted by her amendment. I asked our officials whether it was preferable to have a shorter period of time. It is a question of practicalities. The law enforcement agencies have concluded that, given the need to reduce the time, they need to have something they can manage. The view has been formed that 72 hours is rather easier to manage than 48 hours. If I was as confident as the noble Baroness is that the amendment would be workable, I would be more than happy to accept it. I do not think that I can. We do not think that it would make much difference in increasing public protection. We clearly accept the case. We understand the point that is being made. That is why we have put in place the three-day amendment. Having consulted with the law enforcement agencies and taken their views very carefully into account, we do not think that we can accept the amendment. I invite the noble Baroness to withdraw her amendment.

Baroness Blatch

Certainly three days is better than 14 days. I think that 48 hours would be better than 72. Nevertheless, I beg leave to withdraw the amendment.

Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.

[Amendments Nos. 148 to 155 not moved.]

Clause 61 [Interpretation, etc.]:

Lord Bassam of Brighton moved Amendment No. 156: Page 42, line 5, at end insert— ("( ) In this Part (except in section (Duties of local boards in connection with victims of certain offences) references to release include temporary release.").

The noble Lord said: This amendment has already been spoken to. I beg to move.

On Question, amendment agreed to.

Clause 61, as amended, agreed to.

Lord Bassam of Brighton moved Amendment No. 157: Before Schedule 5, insert the following new schedule—