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Criminal Evidence (Witness Anonymity) Bill

I quite understand. The noble and learned Lord may have pointed out a valid drafting point. I always hope that the merits of any amendment that one tables overcome the technical incompetence in the drafting. However, my experience in your Lordships’ House, at least as far as the Government are concerned, is that hope springs eternal. My amendment does not seem to have excited great interest among those who have been intervening consistently in the course of the other groups. I feel strongly that this consideration ought to be promoted to a condition. However, in the circumstances in which we find ourselves, I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.