Clause 16 - Intervention orders
Health and Social Care Bill
11:00 am
Mr John Denham (Minister of State, Department of Health; Southampton, Itchen, Labour)
The Government cannot do everything through statements to Parliament, but there was clearly no intention to conceal the matter. I am fairly sure that a Department of Health press release was issued to accompany the speech, so charges of secrecy will not stick.
I agree that the massive loss of beds in the NHS under the previous Government has put huge pressure on our hospitals. It is undoubtedly a reason for the great difficulties. It is also a reason for our unprecedented investment in the NHS, which will enable us to increase bed numbers and make better provision in the community.