Serious Crime Bill [HL]

I am not sure that I entirely understand the concern of the noble Lord, Lord James; but if he is saying that it would have been better to prevent the individual’s action, then I certainly agree. The legislation provides that if an individual had been involved in serious crime, it might be possible to apply to the court—particularly if that serious crime had been perpetrated through the iniquitous use and creation of a number of businesses—for a prevention order concerning that activity. I may be able to use a somewhat neutered example, if it assists your Lordships. I am trying to be very careful here. I was asked about the haulage company, and we discussed secret compartments. If we could impose a restriction on that haulage company, so that they would have to disclose their customers to the Serious Organised Crime Agency, or further information to whom they supplied their vehicles, that could be an order. From that information, the Serious Organised Crime Agency would then be able to follow those individuals, to see whether it would be lawful. These prevention orders can be used in a way that would be helpful to interdict serious crime in the future.