We believe that that opportunity exists in terms of the recommendations that can be made with regard to the public sector, especially for prisons by the independent inspector of prisons. Listening to hon. Members this evening, one would think that lessons are never learned or that the Government and the...

We believe that that opportunity exists in terms of the recommendations that can be made with regard to the public sector, especially for prisons by the independent inspector of prisons. Listening to hon. Members this evening, one would think that lessons are never learned or that the Government and the...

My right hon. Friend makes the point that people should expect the same protection, but we are talking about different environments, and that is the difference. The hon. Member for Beaconsfield talked about what he would expect a future Conservative Government—God forbid—to do, but this is the first Government to...

My right hon. Friend makes the point that people should expect the same protection, but we are talking about different environments, and that is the difference. The hon. Member for Beaconsfield talked about what he would expect a future Conservative Government—God forbid—to do, but this is the first Government to...

The hon. Gentleman is saying that the consequence of his argument is that the principle would apply to the armed forces, despite his distinction that members of the armed forces are volunteers and prisoners are not.

The hon. Gentleman is saying that the consequence of his argument is that the principle would apply to the armed forces, despite his distinction that members of the armed forces are volunteers and prisoners are not.

The hon. Gentleman is entitled to his opinion but he is entirely wrong. In terms of the Bill, the Government are acting in three ways—as an employer, an occupier and a provider of goods and services. If the hon. Gentleman’s logic was followed through, the same principle would apply to...

The hon. Gentleman is entitled to his opinion but he is entirely wrong. In terms of the Bill, the Government are acting in three ways—as an employer, an occupier and a provider of goods and services. If the hon. Gentleman’s logic was followed through, the same principle would apply to...

My hon. Friend cannot have it both ways. He asked us to consider things, so we considered them and came to our conclusions. He does not support our conclusion, but that does not mean that we did not consider the matter, just as we have considered suggestions throughout the Bill’s...

My hon. Friend cannot have it both ways. He asked us to consider things, so we considered them and came to our conclusions. He does not support our conclusion, but that does not mean that we did not consider the matter, just as we have considered suggestions throughout the Bill’s...

I am taking the unusual step of making my contribution now because I may not have an opportunity later, and my hon. Friend the Member for Hendon (Mr. Dismore) and the hon. Member for Beaconsfield (Mr. Grieve) have asked me to explain the Government’s position. I am pleased that we...

I am taking the unusual step of making my contribution now because I may not have an opportunity later, and my hon. Friend the Member for Hendon (Mr. Dismore) and the hon. Member for Beaconsfield (Mr. Grieve) have asked me to explain the Government’s position. I am pleased that we...

I do not mean to be insulting in any way, but I would have hoped that my right hon. Friend would know the difference between the situation in the health service and the custodial position, in terms of the difficulties and complexities of custody. The custodial environment deals with difficult...

I do not mean to be insulting in any way, but I would have hoped that my right hon. Friend would know the difference between the situation in the health service and the custodial position, in terms of the difficulties and complexities of custody. The custodial environment deals with difficult...

I am happy to examine all the options. Indeed, it was suggested today that I look at public procurement by companies that have been convicted, and consider whether or not we can take action. I have to qualify everything that I say, as we must examine these things within the...

I am happy to examine all the options. Indeed, it was suggested today that I look at public procurement by companies that have been convicted, and consider whether or not we can take action. I have to qualify everything that I say, as we must examine these things within the...

My hon. Friend tempts me with a multiple choice question. The Bill and the cultural changes that, hopefully, it will bring about, either by acting as a deterrent or offering a legal remedy, will make directors at all levels, particularly senior directors, understand their responsibilities and the nature of what...

My hon. Friend tempts me with a multiple choice question. The Bill and the cultural changes that, hopefully, it will bring about, either by acting as a deterrent or offering a legal remedy, will make directors at all levels, particularly senior directors, understand their responsibilities and the nature of what...

I shall give way to my hon. Friend, but then I wish to make progress.

I shall give way to my hon. Friend, but then I wish to make progress.

I accept what my right hon. Friend is saying, and hope to touch on that point. The thinking is being developed. I had an opportunity in my previous role in the Department of Trade and Industry to examine the Company Law Reform Bill, as was. We could have put a...

I accept what my right hon. Friend is saying, and hope to touch on that point. The thinking is being developed. I had an opportunity in my previous role in the Department of Trade and Industry to examine the Company Law Reform Bill, as was. We could have put a...

As I understand it, the court would make the order, and it would identify a responsible individual who is to respond to the courts. I was asked to look at those issues in greater detail, and I am prepared to do so. We are working on those details. Unfortunately, through...

As I understand it, the court would make the order, and it would identify a responsible individual who is to respond to the courts. I was asked to look at those issues in greater detail, and I am prepared to do so. We are working on those details. Unfortunately, through...

I accept that point. [Interruption.] No, certainly not. I reverted to my former career in the Whips Office to understand why we are where we are. We certainly had ample time and opportunity in Committee to discuss the issues. I am trying to explain our motivation, as there is genuine...

I accept that point. [Interruption.] No, certainly not. I reverted to my former career in the Whips Office to understand why we are where we are. We certainly had ample time and opportunity in Committee to discuss the issues. I am trying to explain our motivation, as there is genuine...

I am trying to argue that there would be the opportunity to combine corporate manslaughter with existing health and safety legislation. My hon. Friend will know that it took a great deal of care and consideration to get the Bill into its present shape. I know that he and my...

I am trying to argue that there would be the opportunity to combine corporate manslaughter with existing health and safety legislation. My hon. Friend will know that it took a great deal of care and consideration to get the Bill into its present shape. I know that he and my...

I am aware of my hon. Friend’s point, which he raised in Committee, too. He knows why we do not think that such a measure would be appropriate at this time. In an earlier contribution, he asked me to outline where we were on corporate probation and reparatory orders, and...

I am aware of my hon. Friend’s point, which he raised in Committee, too. He knows why we do not think that such a measure would be appropriate at this time. In an earlier contribution, he asked me to outline where we were on corporate probation and reparatory orders, and...

Thinking always continues, and I hope that further progress will be made. I shall refer to that as I move on in my speech.

Thinking always continues, and I hope that further progress will be made. I shall refer to that as I move on in my speech.

I assure my hon. Friend that discussions have taken place with the Scottish Executive. Indeed, I met the Scottish Minister for Justice to discuss the Bill last week. Discussions are taking place about the likely impact in Scotland, given its different legislation.

I assure my hon. Friend that discussions have taken place with the Scottish Executive. Indeed, I met the Scottish Minister for Justice to discuss the Bill last week. Discussions are taking place about the likely impact in Scotland, given its different legislation.

I will, I hope, assist my hon. Friend towards the end of my contribution by rounding off my view on each of the new clauses and amendments by stating what we will try to do. The aim of the group of amendments is to redefine the circumstances in which individuals...

I will, I hope, assist my hon. Friend towards the end of my contribution by rounding off my view on each of the new clauses and amendments by stating what we will try to do. The aim of the group of amendments is to redefine the circumstances in which individuals...

Not at this point, but as the hon. Gentleman knows, the Government are working to put victims at the heart of the criminal justice system. We will look at the impact of the Bill on the families of victims, so it is a good point that the hon. Gentleman raises....

Not at this point, but as the hon. Gentleman knows, the Government are working to put victims at the heart of the criminal justice system. We will look at the impact of the Bill on the families of victims, so it is a good point that the hon. Gentleman raises....

I beg to move, That the Bill be now read the Third time. In concluding our debate on Second Reading, I spoke about how proud I was that the Bill had been introduced and, as we prepare to end our proceedings and send it to another place, I make no...

I beg to move, That the Bill be now read the Third time. In concluding our debate on Second Reading, I spoke about how proud I was that the Bill had been introduced and, as we prepare to end our proceedings and send it to another place, I make no...