Report (4th Day)

Part of Health and Social Care Bill – in the House of Lords at 6:30 pm on 29 February 2012.

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Photo of Baroness Masham of Ilton Baroness Masham of Ilton Crossbench 6:30, 29 February 2012

My Lords, in supporting these amendments, I want just to say that many demands are made on local authorities. If the Bill becomes law, they will have added responsibilities for public health. The control of infectious diseases is vital. We have increasing levels of drug resistance in conditions such as tuberculosis and sexually transmitted infections. We have the problems of alcohol and drug abuse. Food poisoning is always a risk. One never knows what new infection is around the corner-one has only to look at the recent very worrying virus in lambs. We need senior officers of public health because they are the important link between health and local authorities. They need to be in senior positions and to have a clear voice.