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Policing and Crime Bill

My Lords, I am glad the Minister has just said what he has said because my reaction to leaving out this clause is that something of the stick is required in these very serious—although, as the Minister said, small number of—instances of underage drinking as well as the carrot of education. I, therefore, cannot go along with removing the clause. I was also glad to hear the Minister say that drinking at home is a matter for parents and not government. I assume that means that someone of tenderish years going to a wedding in a village hall, marquee or whatever is regarded, or should be regarded, as under the control of an adult. I do not expect the Minister to answer now but he might like to think about it. I do not intend to reminisce like my noble friend Lord Onslow on the subject of the Venerable Bede but when the noble Baroness, Lady Miller, was speaking I was reminded that my nickname at school was "Back-to-Basics Bootle". But, as I said, you need both the carrot and the stick, although not necessarily the stick in the form that is in the Bill. I shall look carefully at what the Minister and others have said, not least the noble Lord, Lord Pannick, who made a very valuable suggestion. I was glad to hear the Minister say that he would take it on board and look at it seriously, without any commitment, obviously. Having said that, we have had a useful discussion on this difficult clause and I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment 107 not moved. Amendments 108 to 110 not moved. Clause 30 agreed.