Equality Bill [HL]

I thank the noble Baroness, Lady Carnegy of Lour, and the noble Duke, the Duke of Montrose, for bringing forward these amendments. The intention behind the amendments is the same as our intention in providing Clauses 72(3)(a) and (b), 85(3)(a) and (b) and 87(3)(a) and (b); that is, that solicitors should have the same rights to be appointed as special advocates under these provisions in Scotland as they will in England and Wales. Our intention is the same. We are not sure that we can accept the amendment as drafted. There is a little bit of doubt about that, but I can certainly undertake to take away the proposal, consider it and, if appropriate, to bring back our own proposals at a later stage to ensure that the purport of the clause is achieved. As I say, I thank the noble Baroness and the noble Duke for bringing the matter to our attention.