Clause 23 - the council for the regulation of health care professionals
NHS Reform and Health Care Professions Bill
11:30 am
Mr John Hutton (Minister of State, Department of Health; Barrow and Furness, Labour)
The hon. Gentleman tabled an amendment to explore these issues, but Kennedy was clear that the best people to represent the views of patients and the public are the patients and the public, not members of professional groups or regulatory bodies. There is an inescapable logic behind that argument and we shall return to the matter later this morning when we discuss another amendment tabled by the hon. Gentleman.
I am grateful for the general support that Committee members have expressed for establishing the council. I understand fully that the regulatory bodies and Conservative Members are concerned about the way in which the council will discharge its functions and we shall debate that shortly. However, I am encouraged by the strength and support that has been expressed today for the principle behind the establishment of the council.
Question put and agreed to.
Clause 23, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill.