Children and Adoption Bill [HL]

It is very difficult to argue with what the Minister has said because the Government are in the business of weighing priorities. I can only say that it is a shame that this priority has fallen down the tree in the way that it has. The noble Baroness, Lady Barker, is absolutely right. The processes and procedures that are in place for intercountry adoptions are not only there to protect children; they are in fulfilment of our international obligations. My question is: since when has it been thought right to transfer the cost of meeting such obligations from the public purse to private citizens? I simply do not accept that this is a case of subsidising a personal service, and that is where we disagree. But there is no profit in continuing the discussion. I think that each side has probably noted the other’s case and it is time to move on. Clause 12, as amended, agreed to. Clause 13 [Other amendments relating to adoptions from abroad]: