Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Bill
Public Bill Committees, 6 February 2007
Alistair Burt (Shadow Minister (Communities and Local Government), Communities and Local Government; North East Bedfordshire, Conservative)
On a point of order, Mr. Benton. I have looked carefully at the amendment paper, but I can find neither an amendment nor a new clause tabled by the Government in relation to the limitation of their powers to direct, which was a central part of our previous discussions in Committee leading up to the debate on clause 2. It is a vital part of the Bill and I am extremely surprised that, after all the promises and offers to limit the power, nothing has been tabled to deal with it. Will the Minister consider our adjourning until such an amendment is tabled, so that we can debate the matter and get on with the job?
Joe Benton (Bootle, Labour)
Strictly speaking, that is not a point of order for me. It is something for the Opposition to sort out with the Government.