Clause 5 - Further provision about HPW
Health (Wales) Bill
9:30 am
Mr Don Touhig (Parliamentary Under-Secretary, Welsh Office; Islwyn, Labour/Co-operative)
Rarely have we heard so many reservations expressed about politicians by politicians. It is quite extraordinary. We have already responded to concerns about the Assembly's powers. During pre-legislative scrutiny, the Royal College of Nursing asked for the removal of powers of direction under clause 4(2) and (4) and we responded positively to the request.
The amendments would remove the reserve power of the Assembly to abolish Health Profession Wales and to make consequential provision for the transfer of its assets. The power is necessary for prudent management and I urge the Committee to retain it. Changes within the health service and the ways in which the professions work may give rise to new requirements for their continuing education and training. The support systems, including the HPW, may have to alter as a consequence.
I assure the Committee that the Assembly has no intention of using the power to bludgeon, threaten, or force the HPW to toe any line. The hon. Member for Epsom and Ewell referred to the possibility of an ambitious Health Minister in the future. It is a peculiarity of Wales that we do not look too well on ambitions.
I am reminded of a youngster who was walking on the quayside at Aberaeron and noticed some crabs crawling out of a bucket that had just been landed. He told the fisherman, who said, ''Don't worry, they won't get out; they're Welsh crabs, they'll all pull back.''