Child Poverty Bill

My Lords, I thank the Minister for his well considered and detailed response. No one questions the Government’s commitment to the best interests of children in broad, general terms; however, on this occasion the view is been taken, and is sincerely held, that the measuring tool is too restrictive and may not bring about the Government’s desired outcome. It is for those reasons that the Joint Committee reached the conclusion that, if best justice is to be done to this worthwhile and noble cause, the Government should look again at the issue and perhaps bring forward a target or targets that would meet the required objective. As I understand what the Minister said, the door is not closed for ever and a day; the issue of "household"—communal or otherwise—will continue to be a consideration. From that point of view, if the appropriate measuring tool emerges, clearly the Government will revisit the debate and the necessary adjustments will be made. On the basis that this debate will go on and be considered, I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment 9 withdrawn. Amendment 10 Moved by