Commissioner for Older People (Wales) Bill [HL]

What I am about to say follows on from what the noble Lord, Lord Rowlands, said, although my remarks go somewhat wider. I understand the need for the inclusion of protection against defamation in the Bill. It makes sense, especially because of the need to work jointly with the other commissioners and authorities, as we have discussed. I want to highlight the fact that with rights come responsibilities and that, where possible, all cases should be treated as if defamation was not protected against. Confidentiality, sensitivity and professionalism are key to ensuring that those who go to the commissioner for help are confident in the use of his and his team’s services. The noble Lord, Lord Rowlands, in his acute way, has rightly raised the position of whistle-blowers. If that protection resulted in abuse of the freedom that it allows, what steps could be taken? Would the commissioner be answerable to the Assembly or the Secretary of State? What plans are in place should the worst case scenario occur? That relates to the point made by the noble Lord, Lord Rowlands, but I feel that it goes rather wider when I refer to the worst-case scenario.