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Commissioner for Older People (Wales) Bill [HL]

My Lords, I take the noble Lord’s point, but I have argued that it is entirely up to the commissioner what recommendation he makes. In making recommendations, he will have to take into account the resources issue, not just those available to him but the resources of those who are subject to his recommendation. In support of my interpretation of the commissioner’s power to issue recommendations and the fact that he must be aware of his resources, I cite the fact that we have made his functions permissive rather than statutory in the strongest sense. I certainly take the noble Lord’s point. It is clear that the resources available in Wales and to those subject to the commissioner’s recommendations are highly relevant. If the debate has done no more than try to ensure that those subject to the commissioner are adequately resourced, we shall have done something by tabling the amendment, which I now beg leave to withdraw. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.