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Criminal Evidence (Witness Anonymity) Bill

That is very kind. I might take up that offer, provided that the noble Lord will pay for it. This is a serious matter. What I fear is that the magistrates’ courts, having been informed that they have this power, will start to use it and that police officers in all sorts of stupid little cases—ASBOs and things of that sort—will start asking for anonymity for their witnesses. That is inappropriate when we are concerned with a principle of open justice—that a defendant should see his accuser. That has been underlined as essential to a fair trial by the Judicial Committee of this House. I do not propose to press this amendment to a vote but I shall participate in any further discussion on this topic in the near future. I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. [Amendment No. 15 not moved.] Clause 12 agreed to. Clauses 13 to 15 agreed to. House resumed: Bill reported with amendments; Report received. Bill read a third time.