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Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Bill [HL]

I thank the Minister for his response. I have written down the words ““Licensing Act””. I find it amazing that the noble Lord feels we should not have a ““big bang”” effect when we are talking about safeguarding vulnerable groups, yet with the Licensing Bill we had very much a ““big bang”” effect imposed on all those involved in the licensing trade. It may not seem relevant but I think it is entirely relevant. New legislation and new law should be applied across the board and not be phased in in this way. I accept what the noble Lord said about phasing in—that people now move jobs and that within three years, on average, many people will have applied and have been subject to checks, with the figure rising to 88 per cent in five years—but I do not understand why, in such an important area of protection, the Government do not simply accept my amendments and ensure that all those who have not been vetted are vetted as soon as the Act is implemented. I do not know whether other noble Lords wish to contribute to this issue, but I think it is disappointing that the Government feel that it is alright to phase in something which is so important in this way and hope that those who may be most in need of vetting, if I can put it that way, move on in their jobs within a short span of time. On that basis, I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.