Serious Crime Bill [HL]

I have a longer speaking note than I probably need. We have restrictedconsent to the Attorney-General because that was recommended by the Law Commission and it is certainly consistent with the position on conspiracy where, by virtue of Section 4 of the Criminal LawAct 1977, proceedings in respect of a conspiracy to commit an offence outside the jurisdiction can be instituted only with the consent of the Attorney-General. The consent of the Attorney-General is considered appropriate for cases of considerable sensitivity or public interest.  Such cases may give rise to sensitive issues involving relations or issues with other states, and in those circumstances, it is appropriate forthe Attorney-General, as a Law Officer, to give consent.  However, by virtue of Section 1(1) of the Law Officers Act 1997, the Solicitor-General hasthe same powers as the Attorney-General. Therefore, the Solicitor-General will exercise the consent powers in such cases too. As far as I am aware, there is no other model or precedent by which any of the powers vested in the Attorney-General are delegated. I believe that deals with the noble Lord’s point. If not, I invite him to say so and we shall think about it further.