Clause 5 - Further functions of the commissioner
Children's Commissioner for Wales Bill
11:45 am
Ms Julie Morgan (Cardiff North, Labour)
The activities that are spelled out in the amendment are an important part of the commissioner's role, and it is good to highlight them.
The hon. Member for Ribble Valley said that it was not obvious how the Welsh Development Agency and the Arts Council for Wales affected children. The commissioner would have an important role in educational activities and research to promote the fact that all activities have a children's dimension and affect their rights. That needs to be spelled out: it is an important part of his role. I feel strongly about the planning process that has been mentioned. When planners sit down to plan, how often do they take into account how their plans will affect children? In planning terms, how are city centres and towns in Wales geared to children? An important part of the commissioner's role is to promote the way in which children are affected by activities that do not fall within the boundaries of health and social services, such as the activities of the national parks authorities and the Sports Council for Wales. That is an important part of the amendment.