Violent Crime Reduction Bill

In one respect I am grateful to the noble Lord because he recognises that we have the same objective here. He has offered an assurance about what will be set out in the regulations; that is, to ensure that moneys raised are used for the specific purpose of addressing disorder linked to the need to create an alcohol disorder zone. He also made the point that my drafting would strengthen what is in the Bill. However, we are talking about two different things. The noble Lord’s assurance is made with regard to the content of the regulations. My amendment would ensure that the regulations are issued. I am acutely aware of a conversation I had earlier today with my noble friend Lady Miller of Hendon, who yesterday in the course of discussions on another Bill was somewhat frustrated when she found that continual reference was made to regulations and guidance. The Opposition are a little frustrated by a series of Bills in which much is being left to regulations. I note that we have been considering the Bill for around three and a half hours now. As I forecast earlier, the words ““regulations and guidance”” have formed a substantial part of our vocabulary. I am disappointed that we have reached this stage and I still do not feel that the Government have given us detailed information on how the drinking banning orders and alcohol disorder zones are to be implemented. On that basis—and only on that basis—I feel that I must now make my little protest, stamp my feet and say that I should like to test the opinion of the Committee. On Question, Whether the said amendment (No. 63) shall be agreed to? Their Lordships divided: Contents, 73; Not-Contents, 96.