Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)

I thank the noble Lord, Lord Kamall, for his very constructive comments. I completely agree that we have some difficulties with Bills moving across but we are absolutely committed to improving services for people across the country who have significant needs and we are pleased to update noble Lords on our progress. He quite rightly reflected that we are going through a period of structural change, but I hoped I outlined in my opening remarks that that should not get in the way of progress on this. I think that there are enough checks and balances in place to make sure that we have an open door for comments to come in. In particular, we have a set process for the current legislative framework. A clear consultation framework has been laid down with specific timings, explaining how that will all fit together with the legislative changes. The most important reassurance that the noble Lord asked for is that we will keep the guidance under review and ensure that we accommodate any changes or lessons learned. In my view, consultation needs to be a live experience; it cannot be done just once and put in the history books. I hope that that gives him the reassurance that he needs. I also take this opportunity to reaffirm that our absolute aim, which I know is shared by the noble Lord, is to improve the lives of people with Down syndrome and people with other conditions. Of course, this is a Private Member’s Bill, which brings its own strictures around how it can be covered. I emphasise again that we will achieve this by publishing guidance under the Down Syndrome Act. We hope that the guidance and the process around the consultation will continue to raise awareness and improve our understanding of the needs of people with Down syndrome. The progress that has been made has been significant and I place on record our thanks to all the organisations and people who have raised the profile of Down syndrome and done such an incredible job. It is important that all relevant authorities are brought together to continue to deliver that effective care and support, regardless of NHS structures. I hope that I have given the necessary assurance that the guidance will be implemented as intended. With that, I thank noble Lords for their attendance and the noble Lord, Lord Kamall, for his contribution.