Skip to main content

Proceeding contribution from Lord Livsey of Talgarth (Liberal Democrat) in the House of Lords on Tuesday, 18 October 2005. It occurred during Debate on bill and Committee proceeding on Commissioner for Older People (Wales) Bill [HL].


Commissioner for Older People (Wales) Bill [HL]

I thank the Minister for his response. In no way was I trying to sabotage Amendment No. 100, which refers specifically to,"““Working jointly with the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales””," which is highly desirable. Amendment No. 6, which we clarify in Amendment No. 106, is concerned about the Public Services Ombudsman and the Children’s Commissioner for Wales, which are both Welsh posts. The noble Lord, Lord Roberts of Conwy, has highlighted the points that I wish to make, for example, about the UK equality commissioner. I know that a campaign has been running for the creation of a Welsh equality commissioner, as well as for a Scottish one. If that happened, the situation might be much clearer. Also, there is the question of human rights, particularly those of elderly people, which are sometimes infringed without their agreement. Such matters can be poignant and important to the older people concerned. I agree with the other points made by the Minister regarding Amendment No. 10, particularly regarding flexibility. It is clear that the commissioner will be able to do his job much more effectively as a result of that amendment. The amendments tabled by both us and the Minister improve the Bill. I remain not entirely convinced by the arguments put, particularly on equality and human rights, but at this stage I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.


Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
674 c192-3GC 
Session
2005-06
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords Grand Committee
Subjects
Equality Functions Public appointments Older people Wales Welsh language Commissioner for Older People in Wales
Legislation
Commissioner for Older People (Wales) Bill (HL) 2005-06
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk