Commissioner for Older People (Wales) Bill [HL]

Amendment No. 13, standing in the names of the noble Lords, Lord Livsey of Talgarth and Lord Roberts of Llandudno, would replace the commissioner’s power to undertake his general functions in Clause 2(1) with a duty. The amendment would remove the discretion of the commissioner as to the exercise of his powers. That discretion is intended to ensure that the commissioner is able to discharge his functions as he considers most appropriate and in accordance with his priorities. The Assembly’s view, which the Government share, is that it is not appropriate to impose a duty in the case of those general functions. We sympathise with the intent behind the amendment but our feeling, which is shared by the Assembly, is that the discretion of the commissioner, and ensuring that he continues to have that discretion as he exercises his powers, are of great importance. Therefore, I ask the noble Lord to withdraw his amendment.