Member

The noble Baroness, Lady Hollins, has tabled her own amendment that addresses the provision of community services for those with learning disabilities and autism. As with her other amendments, we are incredibly sympathetic to its intentions. I recall that one of my first debates when I was a Minister was addressing the issue of long-term detention. I know the Minister will remember that debate, when we heard horrific examples of people being detained for many years. There was a story only a few weeks ago of someone who had been detained for about 40 years. Although we are sympathetic, we feel that some of the amendments are, I fear, a bit too prescriptive. We will not be supporting them if they are called to a vote but neither will we vote against them.