Clause 11 - Amendments and repeals
Health Protection Agency Bill [Lords]
10:45 am
Dr Andrew Murrison (Shadow Minister, Public Services, Health & Education; Westbury, Conservative)
I am grateful to the Minister for mentioning the Immigration Act 1971. Immigration is a sensitive issue and she is right to raise it, particularly since the relevant measure stands out from the rest. Although it is consequential, it is of great importance.
What is meant by the term ''medical inspectors''? Are they the sort of medical people who are positioned at ports and airports to deal with those seeking to migrate to this country and perhaps claim asylum? If so, I am slightly concerned, because such matters are controversial. Many of us would say that medical inspection facilities at airports ought to be enhanced. We certainly need to tread warily if we are changing the legislative framework under which such inspectors operate. Could the Minister say how the proposed change might affect how medical inspection is done on the ground?