Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Bill

Lord Geddes Excerpts

Wednesday 7th March 2012 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Howe of Idlicote]

My Lords, I wish to move the amendment so that I can make a brief statement on the subject.

[The Deputy Speaker (Lord Geddes)]

If the noble Baroness has started to speak to her amendment, she must move it.

[Baroness Howe of Idlicote]

What I wanted to say is that I am of course sad that this amendment cannot be debated tomorrow or on the next day of the Report stage because it is the sort of amendment that would have had the kind of support that was given to amendments taken earlier today. It has a modest aim to help those with a disability, those who have been in care, young people who are victims of trafficking and, above all, young people aged between 18 and 24. That group needs special help to get them through to adult life as more satisfied people in themselves and at less of a cost to the community. However, I accept that the usual channels have not arrived at such an agreement, so I apologise to the many groups who support this amendment—including the Children’s Commissioner for England. It is strange that one is not able to satisfy their desire as I would have wished by testing the opinion of the House, but I accept that now is not the time to do that.

I would like the opportunity to discuss this issue further with the Minister. He seems very happy to see people even though he is not that keen on giving assurances that things will change as a result, but I would still like that opportunity.

[The Deputy Speaker]

Having spoken to her amendment, does the noble Baroness wish to move it? That will give noble Lords a chance to reply.

[Baroness Howe of Idlicote]

Yes. I beg to move.