Violent Crime Reduction Bill

I wonder whether the Minister would include me in those discussions. As I understand it, subsection (10) refers to a general authorisation to a member of staff; in other words, the appointment of someone to carry out the searches. If that were to happen, the proper training given to that individual or individuals—presumably it would be necessary to have people of both sexes—could then be carried out. I believe that the Minister has a number of issues in mind. The first is the safety of the teacher carrying out the search, which is important. The second is the important issue of false allegations being made against a person who carries out a search. That is why it is important to have a member of staff of some standing and position to be present while that search is being carried out. The third issue is the protection of the pupil because, unhappily, it is conceivable that a search could be carried out improperly and without reasonable grounds. There could be a degree of intimacy which would be unwelcome to the pupil being searched. These are all important issues and I understand that the Minister is seeking to strike a balance. The amendments tabled by the Government and accepted by the Opposition are very good and, generally, we are moving in the right direction. However, perhaps a little further discussion may help to make the system watertight.