Clause 7 - Functions of Overview and Scrutiny Committees
Health and Social Care Bill
4:30 pm
Mr Paul Burstow (Sutton and Cheam, Liberal Democrat)
I am grateful to the Minister for having clarified one or two matters. In return, I shall clarify the thinking behind new clause 5. It is not intended to substitute powers for the provision of the independent advocacy service, and the Minister is right that it would be inconsistent for the other two amendments to be read alongside it.
The Bill should place a specific obligation on the Secretary of State to ensure that advocacy services are commissioned, even if we are not specific about the commissioner. Will the Minister suggest whether there would still be an opportunity for a legislative amendment if consultation on the matter were concluded before the conclusion of the passage of the Bill?
Although we may come back to these issues later, I beg to ask leave to withdraw the amendment.
Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.