Question proposed, That the schedule be the Seventh schedule to the Bill.

In part 5 of schedule 7, in relation to disclosure, the Bill states:

“It is a defence for a person charged with an offence under this paragraph to prove that the person reasonably believed…that the disclosure was lawful”.

Does that mean that ignorance of the law is a valid legal defence under the Bill in relation to disclosure?

I cannot believe that that would be the case. It seems highly unlikely. I am sure that the right hon. Gentleman can be confident that the Bill has been drafted to be consistent with precedent. I hope that reassures him.

Question put and agreed to.

Schedule 7 accordingly agreed to.