Children and Young Persons Bill [HL]

I am swayed by the debate to say that the Government will consider this further and come back on Report with our view of whether there is a case for further amending the Children Act 1989. I am particularly swayed by the points of the noble and learned Baroness, Lady Butler-Sloss. However, I need it to be firmly understood that this is not a commitment that the Government will introduce a change; we will consider whether there is a case for it. As the noble and learned Baroness knows, the approach to parental responsibility taken by the Children Act 1989 itself implements a Law Commission recommendation. The Law Commission did not consider it practical to include a list of what comprises parental responsibility. Such a list would, in its view, have to change from time to time to meet differing needs and circumstances. That was its view then, but we are happy to take further advice, including from noble Lords. I will say on Report whether we believe that it would be appropriate to move on this matter.