---

Commissioner for Older People (Wales) Bill [HL]

I began by saying that this was a very mixed bag of amendments and I think we have seen that during the debate. I certainly agree with the noble Lord, Lord Prys-Davies, that the subject of Amendment No. 60, in his name, which is research, requires a separate debate. It is indeed a separate issue. I am grateful to the noble Lord, Lord Prys-Davies, and the noble Baroness, Lady Finlay of Llandaff, for their support for the thrust of Amendment No. 20. Having listened to the Minister, it seems to me that we are faced with a new concept of the role of the commissioner in law. I noted carefully that the Minister talked about his ability to review and monitor the law. Both the noble Lord, Lord Prys-Davies, and I are more concerned that he should monitor the implementation; as Amendment No. 21 has it, ““law and practice””. I agree with that. It seems to me a new concept to me for a commissioner to provide law, review a situation and recommend to the Government that legislative provision be made so that action can be taken as a result of the passage of new legislation in a particular sphere. So be it. We have heard what the Minister has to say, and we shall consider his words carefully. For the time being, I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. [Amendments Nos. 21 and 22 not moved.]