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Criminal Evidence (Witness Anonymity) Bill

Surely not. The most important matter that I am seeking to establish in this group of amendments is that contained in Amendment No. 7A. From what the Minister has said in reply, my understanding is that, in effect, the expression, "““the court must have regard (in particular) to any reasonable fear on the part of the witness””," would require the court to make an assessment of reasonableness. That would have to be an important component in what the court undertakes. The Minister appears to me to have confirmed that already; but he may wish to confirm it again. I take it that he said that and, in those circumstances, I beg leave to withdraw the amendment, satisfied that discussions on this line have not been in vain. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. [Amendment No. 4F not moved.]