Health and Social Care Bill
Dr Liam Fox (Woodspring, Conservative)
On a point of order, Mr. Maxton. In Committee on 30 January, as reported in Hansard, the hon. Member for Bristol, North-West (Dr. Naysmith) asked me to explain why the South West Association of Community Health Councils, which includes the CHC that serves my area,
``has chosen not to oppose the proposals and instead agreed to work with the Government to introduce more effective measures.''
Later, he said:
``The 14 CHCs in the south-west do not oppose the Bill.''—[Official Report, Standing Committee E, 30 January 2001; c. 213-4.]
I have a copy of a letter to the hon. Gentleman from the South West Association of Community Health Councils that states:
``Your personal interpretation of observations made by the South West Association concerning the above Bill is totally wrong as inquiry . . . would have shown.
Your inference of our `unopposed acceptance' of the draft Bill is also completely wrong.
Your comments we therefore find deeply unhelpful and a misrepresentation.''
Will the hon. Gentleman take this opportunity to correct what was clearly an unintentional misleading of the Committee?
Mr John Maxton (Glasgow Cathcart, Labour)
Strictly speaking, that is not a point of order. However, I shall allow Dr. Naysmith to respond.
Dr Doug Naysmith (Bristol North West, Labour/Co-operative)
I am happy to answer what was said in the association's letter. Someone gave the association misleading information about what I had said in Committee. The record of our proceedings does not say that the association has agreed to support anything. That letter was signed by Geoffrey Burston, who is a good friend of mine. It was given misleading information about what had been said in Committee, and the record does not back up its comments.
Mr John Maxton (Glasgow Cathcart, Labour)
That was not a point of order, but both hon. Members have managed to put their views on the record. We can now continue with today's business. Clause 59 Control of patient information