Member

As for the tribunal, I should begin straightaway by saying in response to the noble Baroness that I do not know—I have not done a search as to whether there is such a power or obligation elsewhere. It may be that the Minister with all the powers of the Civil Service behind him can do such a search. However, I do not think that that really matters. What matters is whether these regulations, which engage the public at large, are to be effective and fair. That is particularly the case with regard to instructions given by the SIA, for example, in respect of a particular, forthcoming event, and the body concerned says, “Oh, my goodness me, we can’t possibly do that in the time available”, and it appeals, or “We simply can’t manage that”—and unless it complies, it cannot go ahead with an event. It is important if it appeals that the matter is dealt with promptly—and it will have power to appeal to the Upper Tribunal. An appeal hearing may otherwise, in the ordinary run of events, be six months down the road, which might be reasonable in ordinary circumstances, but it may not be reasonable if the SIA has perhaps come along rather late. That is perfectly possible; we do not live in a perfect world. There are delays in court and delays in supervisory bodies such as the SIA, not because of ill will or ill management—but they do occur, and it is important therefore that, where appropriate, the tribunal is under an obligation not just to leave matters in a queue.