---

Commissioner for Older People (Wales) Bill [HL]

First, I, too, thank the Minister for the information that he provided about the Bill. It has been useful and he has, to some extent, taken notice of previous debates. As we progress with the Bill, it is clear that it has been rounded off somewhat in its scope by government amendments. I do not agree with them all, but a substantial number of them clarify the situation. As far as these amendments are concerned, from our point of view the rewording—particularly with regard to the removal of the words ““to be regarded as”” from these parts of the schedule—is acceptable. However, an interesting situation may arise later on. From what I read in the Better Governance for Wales White Paper, produced by the Government, the situation may alter in the future if Ministers in the Assembly become responsible agents of the Crown. That seems to be one of the proposals which will pass down if the paper that has been produced is translated into a Bill and, indeed, into an Act of Parliament. It is an interesting situation. However, as matters stand at the moment, with the settlement that was made in 1998–99 after the referendum, this change of wording is certainly appropriate in the current situation. Amendment No. 2 is similarly applicable. There is a question of course in regard to the financing by the Welsh Assembly Government of this property. This clearly will come out of the block grant which the Assembly receives. Indeed, the Assembly will fund the Office of the Commissioner for Older People in Wales. If the wording is left as it is in the Bill compared to the way in which the amendment is put, there may be financial implications. I merely put that as an observation. As to Amendment No. 9, the wording ““within limits set by regulations”” is certainly all right as far as we are concerned; it seems to make a great deal of sense. At later stages in the Bill, I am sure that we will discuss the issue of regulations. As I understand it—perhaps the Minister will confirm this—the regulations are to be set by the Assembly through statutory instruments, which, of course, is secondary legislation. However, it will be interesting to know whether the Government here in Westminster will set any regulations at all. As an ardent devolutionist, I believe that they should be set by the Assembly. But we shall see how the Minister treats that suggestion.