Clause 18 - Supplementary
NHS Reform & Health Care Professions Bill
3:30 pm
Ms Hazel Blears (Parliamentary Under-Secretary (public health), Department of Health; Salford, Labour)
I take the hon. Gentleman's point, and I have said that the regulations provide for the preparation of reports. However, getting the overview and scrutiny committee to respond to the specifics of the report is important. I would like to think further about how we could strengthen that process and when we debate clause 19 and the operation of the commission at local level, hon. Members will become aware of our intention to ensure that all parts of the system are joined together and respond to the issues raised. The question of the overview and scrutiny committee being required to respond to issues raised by patients forums is important. I will think further about it and come back to hon. Members.