Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Bill [HL]

My Lords, I agree too, both with the sentiments and with the amendment. The amendment appeared, as the noble Lord, Lord Goodlad, eloquently said, as a consequence of what was in the White Paper and in the draft Bill. We listened with care to what the Constitution Committee said. Its interpretation of ADR is a little different. I say to noble Lords who have not had the opportunity to meet those involved in mediation that I had the privilege of meeting our mediator in Manchester, and met some of the clients who have been extremely well served by his work in the court system. I accept what all noble Lords have said about the value of alternative dispute resolution—particularly mediation, in this context—in providing greater opportunities for access to justice. The caveat has been put forward that it does not preclude users from pursuing their cases in the courts of the tribunals. That is important too. We took ADR out only because we did not think we needed it, not because there was anything wrong with the principle. I am perfectly happy to accept the amendment, and I am grateful to the noble Lord for tabling it. I give notice that I will have to make one or two consequential amendments at Third Reading, just to ensure that it fits properly back in, but I am sure noble Lords will be happy with that. I have nothing to add; everything has been said. On Question, amendment agreed to. Clause 29 [Transfer of functions of certain tribunals]: