David Norris (Independent)

I move amendment No. 16:

In page 5, lines 29 to 31, to delete paragraph (b) and substitute the following new paragraph:

"(b) any decision or opinion of the European Commission of Human Rights so established on any legal question,".

Amendments Nos. 16 and 17 are in the same general area as amendment No. 15. The Minister undertook to consider how rephrasing might avoid uncertainty about jurisdiction and the requirement of proof, which is what amendment No. 15 was about, but also to exclude irrelevant operational decisions made by the bodies on, for example, adjournments and meeting dates. I was briefed by an expert legal body and I am assured that the amendments I bring forward have been subject to expert legal and drafting advice. I am interested to hear the Minister of State's response.

I do not propose to hold up the House for very long because I am really horrified to discover that there is a guillotine on this very important Stage of the Bill, which is to be completed by 1.30 p.m. This is frightful, if true.