Clause 3 - Radiation protection functions
Health Protection Agency Bill [Lords]
4:30 pm
Miss Melanie Johnson (Parliamentary Under-Secretary, Department of Health; Welwyn Hatfield, Labour)
As I said, there is certainly no requirement to consult anyone else. That does not necessarily mean that no one else will be consulted, as the hon. Gentleman will appreciate.
The hon. Member for Newark asked whether the responsibility to provide information and advice was being taken seriously. The answer is yes, which is why these matters are included in subsection (1)(b), as they are in the NRPB legislation:
''to provide information and advice to persons (including government departments) with responsibilities in the United Kingdom in relation to the protection from radiation hazards either of the community as a whole or of particular sections of the community.''
I must point out to the hon. Gentleman, as I have done before, that we recognise the great importance of CBRN threats and the whole question of information, but the HPA is not the only agency involved in CBRN matters and other related matters to which I referred. I believe that that deals with the points raised by Opposition Members, and I commend the clause to the Committee.
Question put and agreed to.
Clause 3 ordered to stand part of the Bill.
Further consideration adjourned.—[Joan Ryan.]
Adjourned accordingly at twenty minutes to Five o'clock till Thursday 1 July at five minutes past Nine o'clock.