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Policing and Crime Bill

My Lords, I am not so much concerned about the Treasury's expenditure; I am much more concerned with the justice and liberty case. The noble and learned Baroness says that the initial hearing is often very short. It may be short in court, but there is frequently a period when advice has to be given, instructions have to be taken, and it is important that the person be there for those purposes. However, I am heartened by her emphasis that it is always for the judge to determine whether it is in the interests of justice, and to note something that I had obviously overlooked—that the hearing itself cannot take place by live link unless the defendant consents. Those are very important reassurances, which I hope will be carried up and down the breadth of the judiciary who may have to deal with these cases. On that basis, I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment 152AKG withdrawn. Amendments 152AKH and 152AKJ not moved. Clause 76 agreed.