Policing and Crime Bill

My Lords, Amendment 149 seeks to require the Secretary of State to consult the Lord Chief Justice and other appropriate persons before publishing draft guidance on Part 4. Perhaps I should explain my understanding of how this issue came about. There was debate in the other place about whether the definition of "gang" might be set out in guidance, as the noble Baroness laid out. It was suggested that, if this were to be the case, the guidance might be given a stronger statutory basis and a greater degree of parliamentary scrutiny. As noble Lords will be aware, the definition is now set out firmly in Clause 33. Given that, I believe that it would be acceptable for guidance simply to be laid before Parliament before publication. However, because the Government do not disagree in principle with consulting relevant persons before publishing guidance, and because there is every intention that we will do so—as well as because of the weight of feeling within this place—I am happy to agree the amendment in principle, and the Government are willing to return with an amendment of this nature on Report.