Schedule 4 - Inspectorates: Boards
Human Tissue Bill
9:10 am
Dr Stephen Ladyman (Parliamentary Under-Secretary, Department of Health; South Thanet, Labour)
On Tuesday, in debating amendment No. 6, which was tabled by the hon. Member for South Cambridgeshire (Mr. Lansley), we discussed issues similar to those raised by this amendment. He sought to have the Bill specify that members with relevant expertise should be appointed to the authority. My hon. Friend the Minister of State said then that it is important that a range of expertise is reflected in the authority's membership. That will apply equally to the boards of the inspectorates.
It would be inappropriate to identify one particular professional interest that had to be represented on the board of the inspectorate of anatomy and pathology. That is not to say that we do not regard the Royal College of Pathologists as an important body with a legitimate interest in the activities of the inspectorate. However, it is not only pathology that has such an interest, but the anatomy, tissue banking and pharmaceutical communities. In any event, in making appointments to the board, the authority will comply with the standards of the Nolan report, which includes the overriding principle that all appointments should be made on merit. All vacancies will be brought to the attention of those with an interest in the area of the inspectorate's work so that they can apply. The vast majority of public bodies do not have persons who represent particular bodies on their boards, and there is no special case for treating the inspectorate differently.
With that assurance, I hope that the hon. Gentleman will withdraw the amendment.