Offender Management Bill

moved AmendmentNo. 108: 108: Clause 19, page 12, line 25, at end insert— ““(4A) The reference in paragraph (b), (c) or (d) of list B to a device of any description includes a reference to— (a) a component part of a device of that description; or (b) an article designed or adapted for use with a device of that description (including any disk, film or other separate article on which images, sounds or information may be recorded).”” The noble Lord said: Clause 19 updates and clarifies existing legislation on the smuggling of illicit items into or out of prison. One of the ways in which we hope to do this is by breaking down the list of prohibited items into three clear bands, each grouped according to seriousness. The amendment concerns list B items: alcohol, mobile phones, cameras and sound-recording devices. The legislation refers to ““any article or substance”” in the list. Having thought carefully about the wording, we are concerned that it does not explicitly cover parts of these items,or articles designed or adapted for use with them. Sadly, individuals often smuggle illicit articles into and out of prisons in component parts, as this makes them easier to conceal. An obvious example is a SIM card. The amendment is also intended to cover separate or detachable items that can be used in conjunction with prohibited items but that could be smuggled in separately. Examples could include memory cards for digital cameras, batteries, film or tapes. I hope that the Committee will agree that this amendment is essential to make it explicit in the Bill, so that there is no room for doubt, that component parts of list B articles are covered by the offences in this clause. I beg to move. On Question, amendment agreed to.