Clause 22 - Order made: reconsideration of benefit

Part of Proceeds of Crime Bill – in a Public Bill Committee am 4:45 pm ar 27 Tachwedd 2001.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of David Wilshire David Wilshire Ceidwadwyr, Spelthorne 4:45, 27 Tachwedd 2001

I am grateful to the Minister for having made that clear. There is an argument of principle about whether the court should be able to vary the order downwards. However, if as the Minister says, the Government intend that that should not be possible, would it not be better if the wording of the clause referred to the ability to ``increase'' or ``vary upwards''? That would avoid doubt by putting into words what the Minister has just said. As the Bill stands, however, ``vary'' could be taken to mean upwards or downwards.