---

Commissioner for Older People (Wales) Bill [HL]

The noble Lord has given us the assurance that we need on the independence of the commissioner, and I am perfectly content to withdraw Amendment No. 1 and not to press Amendment No. 2. He has also asserted the importance of the independence of the commissioner with regard to staffing, the point covered by Amendment No. 9. I am sure that the noble Lord shares our concern about the tendency towards increased bureaucracy; we would not wish, as I do not think he would, to see an undue and exceptional high level of bureaucracy invading the office of the commissioner for the elderly in Wales. Having made that point, which I am sure will be looked at by the Assembly on an annual basis and before the commissioner starts his work and is in the process of engaging staff, I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. [Amendment No. 2 not moved.]