I beg to move amendment No. 160, in page 17, leave out line 31 and insert—

'to the Advocate General for Northern Ireland of a function of the Attorney General for Northern Ireland of giving consent to the institution or conduct of criminal proceedings (whether or not as an alternative to the consent of any other person).'.

The amendment narrows down the power in clause 29 to the transfer of consent provisions only, and not to the general functions of the post of Attorney-General. It brings the Bill more closely in line with the Government's intentions and addresses views expressed during the consultation period, including those of the Opposition, that the power in the Bill was too broadly drawn. There were fears that the power could be used to undermine the position of the new local Attorney-General. The amendment addresses those concerns.

Amendment agreed to.

Clause 29, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Schedule 7 agreed to.