§ Mr. GalleyI beg to move amendment No. 11, in page 8, line 13 after 'people', insert
'or of people with special knowledge of such disablement'.This is a minor amendment, but I have noted the concern expressed to me privately by the hon. Member for Monklands, West (Mr. Clarke) about its effect. The principle behind clause 11 is that some disabled people cannot readily speak and act for themselves. When such a disabled person cannot act in any consultative capacity, it seems reasonable to allow people with special knowledge of that particular disability to do so. On that basis it does not seem unreasonable to extend the principle of consultation, as well as the appointments from groups of people with special knowledge, when disabled persons cannot speak for themselves. That is a minor matter, but I note that the hon. Gentleman is a little worried about the amendment and suggests that it would be better to consider it in another place. Therefore, I certainly do not wish to press it.
§ Mr. NewtonIn the light of that, rather than taking up time expressing my reservations about the amendment—although I must say that in our view it would be technically inoperative, apart from anything else—I shall accept with good grace my hon. Friend's decision not to press the amendment.
§ Mr. GalleyI beg to ask leave to withdraw the amendment.
§ Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.