Child Poverty Bill

My Lords, I thank the Minister for coming to my aid, somewhat to my surprise, in interpreting subsection (5)(a) against the most formidable two ladies—the noble and learned Baroness, Lady Butler-Sloss, and the noble Baroness, Lady Walmsley—who rather effectively put me in my place on this one. I am therefore delighted that I had the Minister’s support when he said that he shared my interpretation of subsection (5)(a), although I think that I lost the point that he was making when he said that this was already included in the subsection. I tabled the amendment because parenting skills have been provided slightly slowly. I am conscious of some fascinating new experiments and developments in Southwark, for example, where self-help parenting structures are being built. I do not think that I need to declare an interest, but my sister has been spearheading one of those efforts, so I know a little about this area and wanted to raise the issue. The amount of provision in this country may fall short in an area that is more vital than this Government have realised. I urge us, particularly when we look at child well-being, to worry more about parenting skills. I am delighted to hear that we will do so under subsection (5)(c) and that it will be up to the Secretary of State at the time, whoever he or she is, to interpret that in the widest possible way and as the Minister has encouraged us to do. On that basis, I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment 31 withdrawn. Amendment 32 Moved by