Member

The amendment gives powers to the Secretary of State to make some modest payment for the training of the 22,000 or so volunteers who will be needed to implement the Bill’s provisions. It also reflects the fact that the railways have to observe many current regulations that are increasing their costs. Their volunteers are now being asked to prepare professionally to undertake the additional obligations imposed by law. The amendments in this group—I support those from the noble Baronesses opposite—are important to raise awareness of the new and onerous obligations being imposed on the voluntary sector, and it seems reasonable that some acknowledgement of this should be made to assist it to fulfil its obligations. I beg to move.