Member

We very much take on board the remarks of the noble and learned Lord, Lord Falconer, and others, who have indicated that we are dealing with people who may be in the very latter stages of illnesses, and as such their physical movements may be limited, which is why the amendment would specifically enable a remote appearance, so there is no question of someone having to go in for a hearing. We know that there is a lot of concern out there among disabled groups, and this is one aspect of concern to them. There can be great advantages in giving an applicant the opportunity to be seen and heard. We know, for example, that it would enable the commissioner to test out whether there has been any level of miscommunication or misunderstanding, and to detect whether the person has a level of motivation or the feeling that they are a burden, or indeed whether there has been a level of coercion that has gone unnoticed up to that point. That is the advantage of giving the opportunity for a hearing.