Clause 47 - Indecent photographs of persons aged 16 or 17

Part of Sexual Offences Bill [Lords] – in a Public Bill Committee am 9:10 pm ar 18 Medi 2003.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of John Randall John Randall Opposition Whip (Commons) 9:10, 18 Medi 2003

My only question for the Minister of State is on the last point about enduring family relationships. I offer a layman's point of view. We have been discussing some things that we can set out and let the courts decide on, but we have been saying that other things are too difficult for a court and they give too much leeway to the lawyers to argue. It might be possible to apply the phrase ''enduring family relationship'' to people over 18, but what about if it is applied to somebody of 16 and two months? It would be very difficult, either way, to prove that it is enduring.