Clause 111 - Inadequacy of available amount

Proceeds of Crime Bill – in a Public Bill Committee am 2:30 pm ar 6 Rhagfyr 2001.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Amendment proposed [this day]: No. 194, in page 68, line 16, leave out 'or discharge'.—[Mr. Bob Ainsworth.]

Question again proposed, That the amendment be made.

Photo of Mr John McWilliam Mr John McWilliam Llafur, Blaydon

I remind the Committee that with this we are taking the following: Government amendment No. 195.

Clause stand part.

Government amendments Nos. 261 and 262.

Government new clause 7—Inadequacy of available amount: discharge of order (No. 2).

Photo of Alistair Carmichael Alistair Carmichael Shadow Spokesperson (Energy and Climate Change), Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Energy and Climate Change)

Before I was cut off in my prime at 11.25, I was drawing the Minister's attention to subsection (2) of new clause 7, the second line of which refers to ''section (J804)''. The Committee Clerk has subsequently informed me that that should read ''section 95''. I see some hon. Members nodding and some shaking their heads; I do not know the significance of that.

Photo of Alistair Carmichael Alistair Carmichael Shadow Spokesperson (Energy and Climate Change), Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Energy and Climate Change)

I am obliged. Otherwise, the new clause does not make sense. I should also explain to the Committee that unfortunately—or perhaps fortunately—I have commitments in the Chamber this afternoon in respect of the fisheries debate, in which I have a substantial constituency interest, so I shall not be here later. [Hon. Members: ''Shame.''] I anticipated that reaction, especially from the hon. Member for Glasgow, Pollok (Mr. Davidson). I am sure that he will agree that this merely reinforces case for having more Scottish Liberal lawyers in the House of Commons.

Photo of John Robertson John Robertson Llafur, Glasgow Anniesland

You will be greatly missed—if not by Government Members, then by the Opposition.

Photo of Mr John McWilliam Mr John McWilliam Llafur, Blaydon

Order. I shall not be greatly missed. I shall be here, because the Committee could not sit without me.

Photo of Alistair Carmichael Alistair Carmichael Shadow Spokesperson (Energy and Climate Change), Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Energy and Climate Change)

I am greatly touched—but no doubt that that comes as news to no one.

Amendment agreed to.

Amendment made: No. 195, in page 68, line 23, leave out 'discharge the confiscation order' and insert

'vary the order by substituting for the amount required to be paid such smaller amount as the court believes is just.'.—[Mr. Bob Ainsworth.]

Clause 111, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Clause 112 ordered to stand part of the Bill.