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Health and Social Care Bill

I thank the Minister for her reply and the noble Lords, Lord Walton and Lord Low, and the noble Baronesses, Lady Howarth and Lady Finlay, for their support. However, the Minister will not be surprised to hear that I am not entirely satisfied with her reply. She rightly informed us that last week the Government launched the deliberative debate on the future of social care. Indeed, I was asked by the Secretary of State to respond to the debate on the day. However, this is, I think, the seventh national deliberative debate or consultation on the future of social care in which I have been involved over the past 10 years. There is lots of consultation, lots of talk of culture change—gosh, I should like a bit of culture change—and lots of what local authorities should be doing under guidance, but, sadly, no movement whatever on the issue. Unless there is a move to address the issue with the urgency that I feel it now deserves, whether by means of legislation or Section 7 guidance, I give notice that I will return to it on Report, when I may seek the opinion of the House. It is time that we consulted, and we need to do something a little more substantive. For now, I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. [Amendment No. 209A not moved.] Clause 141 [Power of Secretary of State to give financial assistance]: On Question, whether Clause 141 shall stand part of the Bill?