---

Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill

The Minister will forgive me for interrupting. In family cases and in others, the phrase ““best interests”” has very frequently been equated with welfare. It is a primary consideration under Article 3. Does the Minister really think that new Clause 142A(3)(b), which refers to having, "““regard to the welfare of the offender””," is the equivalent of a primary consideration? My interpretation is that it is coming a long way down the scale. I accept what the noble Earl, Lord Onslow, says, but it is certainly not up the scale, as a primary consideration would be.