Offender Management Bill

I will reflect further on the hon. and learned Gentleman’s points. We will certainly try to ensure that conflicts of interest do not cause problems. When the court requests a pre-sentence report, it will also provide an indication of the expected sentencing outcome. The report can then be focused accordingly. Secondly, the report must adhere to national standards, which has been made clear in the strengthened amendment. Thirdly, there is clear guidance about the type of structure appropriate for the report, based on the seriousness of the offence and appropriate response. I hope that that helps the hon. and learned Gentleman with his concerns, although, as I say, I am happy to reflect further. We have moved considerably in respect of the Lords amendments. I hope that the House will accept our proposals while I undertake to look further into the hon. and learned Gentleman’s points. Lords amendment disagreed to. Government amendment (a) in lieu of Lords amendment No. 11 agreed to.