Compensation Bill [HL]

moved Amendment No. 21A:"Page 4, line 17, leave out sub-paragraph (i)." The noble Viscount said: My Lords, I briefly remind the House that Her Majesty’s prisons are full to overflowing, and that people are often taken to task for unfair trading. Indeed, there is a whole raft of legislation with remedies which cover these eventualities. Nevertheless, the Minister said in Grand Committee that prison sentences were needed to deal with persistent offenders. Surely it is very likely—indeed, it is almost certain—that persistent unfair trading will transgress existing legislation. I believe that the real problem will not be that the person has operated without authorisation, but will be what that person has done. Existing legislation, together with fines included in this Bill, will be an appropriate and proportionate remedy, and I do not believe that we need prison sentences. These standard prison sentences seem to be put in as a sort of reflex action, and we should give them careful thought. I beg to move.