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Commissioner for Older People (Wales) Bill [HL]

moved Amendment No. 93:"Page 7, line 38, leave out subsection (1)." The noble Lord said: The amendment removes subsection (1), which enables further functions to be conferred on the commissioner by regulations. The functions of the commissioner are clearly set out in Clause 2. I remind the Committee that those are to:"““promote awareness of the interests of older people in Wales . . . promote the provision of opportunities for, and the elimination of discrimination against, older people in Wales . . . encourage good practice in the treatment of older people in Wales””," and,"““keep under review the adequacy and effectiveness of law affecting the interests of older people in Wales””." With all those worthy and most welcome functions, what other functions does the Minister anticipate that Her Majesty’s Government and the Assembly will need to confer on the commissioner? Are there any current plans for further consultation on more powers? If so, when? Is it possible that the issue of employment in Wales will be devolved completely from the proposed Commission for Equality and Human Rights and be given to the commissioner? If the answer is no, there are no envisaged further powers at the moment and nothing in the pipeline, can the noble Lord give a legitimate reason for such a Henry VIII power to be included in the Bill? I suggest that further functions, such as those on which we are already conferring, should be subject to primary rather than secondary legislation as that would enable more thorough scrutiny. I beg to move.