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Proceeding contribution from Lord Avebury (Liberal Democrat) in the House of Lords on Thursday, 5 July 2007. It occurred during Debate on bill and Committee proceeding on UK Borders Bill.


UK Borders Bill

As on the previous occasion when we considered government Amendment No. 16B, the effect of spelling out the conditions in paragraphs (a) to (e) is almost entirely spoilt by the addition of paragraph (f). Having set out the various purposes in the first five paragraphs, the Secretary of State is then given carte blanche to do anything she likes, not just in connection with another enactment but with whatever may come to mind. This is the second time we have had an example of this sort. Not only is it incumbent on the Minister to explain what these other purposes are, as the noble Baroness has requested, it is also necessary to explain why such a catch-all is needed at all. Why is the Secretary of State not satisfied with the provisions set out in paragraphs (a) to (e), and what is going through the minds of the draftsmen in the Home Office that might possibly create the need for the additional powers sought in paragraph (f)? If the Minister cannot explain it, other than that paragraph (f) has been added simply because someone thought there may be a need for it at some future date without having anything specific in mind, I think that we will want to delete it at a later stage.


Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
693 c180GC 
Session
2006-07
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords Grand Committee
Subjects
Children Biometrics Asylum Commission for Racial Equality Borders ICT Immigration Human trafficking Discrimination Ethnic groups Race relations Refugees Border and Immigration Agency
Legislation
UK Borders Bill 2006-07
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk