Offender Management Bill

My Lords, I will not break the record of any noble Lord being against the amendment, but we on these Benches have not passed judgment on the matter in the past and we do not seek to do so tonight. Like many noble Lords who have spoken, I have been rather confused about the Government's position on the issue, so I am glad that the noble Baroness, Lady Gibson, has in the most eloquent way given the Minister the opportunity to clarify the matter. From my reading of proceedings on the Bill in another place, and from correspondence on the Bill, it appears that the Government previously gave a commitment that an amendment would be forthcoming to satisfy those who support the noble Baroness, Lady Gibson. I also note that the Probation Boards’ Association says that it would prefer to phase in the abolition of national collective bargaining as and when the new trusts are formed and feel that it is appropriate for them. I echo the sentiments of the noble Lord, Lord Dholakia: will the Minister tell the House whether any Minister has ever given a commitment to bring forward an amendment on this matter? If no such commitment has been given, has any offer of reassurance been given that might be acceptable? Exactly what is the Government's position now?