Clause 40 - Short title, interpretation,commencement and extent
NHS Reform and Health Care Professions Bill
3:00 pm
Mr John Hutton (Minister of State, Department of Health; Barrow and Furness, Labour)
I do not want to maintain this argument, because it is running the risk of becoming rather repetitive. We have been over the tracks many times.
I am prepared to accept the hon. Gentleman's assurances that Conservative Members support PCTs and their new role. He is right to say that he has made their position clear in the past. I recognise that what they object to is the pace at which we are moving towards PCTs assuming their responsibilities. Nevertheless, I think that he is wrong. If we believe in devolution to the front line by creating a devolved NHS that looks less like the monolithic top-down command-and-control organisation that it is, the sooner that we can do so the better.
However, I take to heart the hon. Gentleman's admonition that we must do it in a way that allows the PCTs to discharge their responsibilities effectively. Conservative Members have made reasonable criticisms in the course of our proceedings. We have been working hard to support PCTs in taking on their new responsibilities, and I am confident that as we move to 100 per cent. coverage under the voluntary
provisions in the Health Act 1999 they will be fully adequate in discharging their important responsibilities.
Question put and agreed to.
Clause 40 ordered to stand part of the Bill.
Question proposed, That the Chairman do report the Bill, as amended, to the House.