The deadline for comments on the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2009 has received a further extension, with the due date changed from yesterday (Wednesday 2nd December) to Wednesday 16th November.
Over 40 responses have so far been received by the Department of Home Affairs in respect of proposed legislation in the Bill 2009.
Now, Home Affairs Minister Adrian Earnshaw MHK (pictured) has agreed, in view of the interest this draft Bill has attracted, that the Department will continue to accept written responses for a further two weeks, while officers collate the comments so far received.
Mr Earnshaw said, "I am extremely pleased with the number of constructive responses to this consultation, which will assist the Department in refining changes to the proposed legislation.
"When all views have been given due consideration, the Department’s decision in respect of changes to be made to the proposed legislation will be made public prior to the Bill going before the branches of Tynwald next year."
The draft Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2009 aims to amend 26 existing Acts. It contains 85 clauses, which were ordered into six chapters for the purposes of the public consultation.
The chapters cover the following subjects: Powers and organisation of the police; Licensing Act amendments; sex offences and obscene publications; Drugs offences; community safety and public order; and miscellaneous other amendments to legislation.
Earlier this month, the Bill made the headlines when certain provisions within it were interpreted by some critics as a threat to individual freedoms, a claim which Mr Earnshaw termed 'misleading.'
Anyone who wishes to view the consultation can visit www.gov.im/dha/consultations.gov where all documentation is available.
Alternatively, printed copies can be obtained by contacting Tom Bateman, Legislation Manager, at the Department of Home Affairs, telephone 01624 694305.
To give your views, write or email by close of business on Wednesday 16th December to Tom Bateman, Legislation Manager, Department of Home Affairs, Homefield, 88 Woodbourne Road, Douglas, Isle of Man IM2 3AP, or via email to: consultation.crimemiscprovbill@gov.im.
