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Terrorism Bill

My Lords, I rise to speak to Amendment No. 21A. At the time I tabled the amendment, it appeared that the Government intended to retain Clause 2(3). However, I now see that the Government have removed that subsection and replaced it with Amendment No. 21; so naturally I find myself in some difficulty in pursuing Amendment No. 21A. However, I just want to observe—the noble Baroness kindly wrote me a letter about this—that the essence of my concern is still outstanding and it relates to the definition of ““matter””. In my submission, ““matter”” can mean only two things in Clause 2; and they are summarised very helpfully in Clause 2(7). ““Matter”” must be either the statement under consideration and how it is likely to be understood or the usefulness mentioned in subsection (5). Subsection (5) deals with the definition of information of assistance in the commission or preparation of such acts. I am not going to pursue my amendment now but I should be most grateful if the noble Baroness, either today or by means of a further amendment at Third Reading, could confirm that that is the scope of the definition of ““matter””.