I thank my noble friend for her answer. I do not think that any of us who have spoken take issue with the fact that the Bill as a whole aims to improve the integration of arrangements. There is scepticism because we have seen several Bills where that hope has been there. Perhaps this Bill, in its way, is a stronger one. Clause 26(4) states:
“Joint commissioning arrangements about securing education, health and care provision must in particular include arrangements for … securing”,
EHCs. The Bill is quite explicit in making clear that integration should take place.
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Our scepticism lies in the fact that practice does not often meet the idealistic requirements, as the noble Lord, Lord Ramsbotham, made clear. In particular, he instanced speech and language therapy, which has been the responsibility of the NHS. Having been a school governor responsible for SEN issues, I know from experience that we have been let down time and time again by the NHS. You might need to wait six months, or sometimes longer, even for an appointment, and often the amount of provision given in such circumstances is grossly inadequate. As was referred to earlier, we know very well that early intervention is so important. If you can get in there quickly and make that intervention, it makes all the difference in the world.
The proof of the pudding is in the eating. I know well that my friend in the other place, Sarah Teather, was responsible for putting this new Bill together and that she wanted to get these services working together—and working well—for the benefit of those with special educational needs. She wanted to make sure that the sorts of things I was criticising just now did not happen, so let us hope that these stronger requirements on the authorities to work together take effect.
The point I was making about resources is very important. We can put all kinds of duties on local authorities, social services departments and CCGs about what they should and what they cannot do. However, there are a limited number of hours in the day and many of these people are extremely pushed in their work already. Let us hope that we can effect the integration because, as noble Lords were also saying, co-operation and partnership can often mean that it is ultimately less work for everybody. With that, I beg leave to withdraw the amendment.