Clause 12 - Further functions of the Commission for Health Improvement
NHS Reform & Health Care Professions
4:30 pm
Mr John Hutton (Minister of State, Department of Health; Barrow and Furness, Labour)
I am not trying to prevent the hon. Gentleman from having that debate if he so chooses, but we look in vain for any sign that he wishes to have that debate in relation to the Bill; he has not tabled any amendments to that effect. He is free to table whatever amendments he likes on these issues; then we may have the debate that he is seeking. We are clear in our mind about where responsibility should lie. I have explained to the hon. Gentleman some of the thinking behind that and why we are not proposing any amendments along those lines. However, the hon. Gentleman is perfectly free to do so at any time.
This has been a long debate. I have tried several times to respond to the points raised. I have nothing further to add and I hope that the Committee will support the inclusion of the clause.
Question put and agreed to.
Clause 12 ordered to stand part of the Bill.