Clause 5
Commissioner for Older People (Wales) Bill [Lords]
12:45 pm
Nick Ainger (Parliamentary Under-Secretary, Office of the Secretary of State for Wales; Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, Labour)
If that was brought to the attention of the commissioner under clause 7(a), (b), (c), (d), and possibly even (e), he would immediately alert the relevant authority. If people are at risk, he would not sit back and carry out research. If it is brought to his attention that any individual is at risk, he would immediately alert the relevant authorities, whether it be the police or the local social services department. In those circumstances, he would react quickly. However, when we are talking about whistleblowing and the complaints procedure, there may not be that urgency.