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Collection of Fines (Final Scheme) Order 2006

We certainly have no problems with the order. The results of the pilots were highly favourable and this seems to be an example of that rare and almost extinct animal, an innovation by the Government in the field of crime and punishment that has actually worked. No concerns have been expressed by the Law Society or other organisations from which I would have expected to receive briefings if the scheme had been problematic. I have only one question. Why were the provisions in the Act that originally gave discounts for early payments removed, and why were they were not piloted? Certainly, in the case of fixed penalties, for example parking fines, early payment discounts have been very effective in getting the money in swiftly. I assume, but I ask the Minister to confirm, that the order will have no effect on discounts of fixed penalties, which I think are not within the definition of convictions. I can see why that would not be appropriate for discounts in the case of compensation orders or cost orders, but in the case of fines, I should like to know why the proposal is not to allow discounts for early payments.