Children and Young Persons Bill [HL]

I thank the Minister for his reply, but it occurs to me that, even though an IRO who has the necessary skills to be able understand the child might be provided or a third party might be required to help, most children would prefer to speak for themselves. Therefore, more attention needs to be given to the provision of these communication aids, not just at the moments when the children are having to speak to an IRO or someone of that nature, but all the time. As the noble Baroness, Lady Morris, said, when the equipment provided breaks down and there is not enough resource to mend or replace it, that takes away the child’s voice. I do not think that anyone in this Committee would like to have their voice taken away; we are all far too fond of our voices. I am sure that it would be terrible to be put in that position. Clearly, there are not enough resources. There are children who are not able to communicate with advocates because they do not have the appropriate communication aids, as is clear from the responses of the advocates. There is a problem, the extent of which it is quite difficult to gauge, although there are individuals for whom it is a personal tragedy. For the moment, however, I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. [Amendment No. 50 not moved.]