Further written evidence to be reported to the House
Health and Social Care Bill
4:45 pm
Findlay Scott: There are issues of substance and of perception. I have no doubt that Ministers on the Floor of the House will offer assurances about their desire not to interfere in day-to-day decisions, and that may deal satisfactorily with the substance. However, we remain concerned that the major issue is one of perception. The fact is that under the Cabinet Office guidance, as I understand it, an NDPB is clearly defined as being a governmental body rather than a non-governmental body. There has been no role for a governmental body in the regulation of the medical profession for 150 years. Therefore, this is something that cannot be lightly ignored as we move into a new arrangement. Notwithstanding the practical assurances that can be given, there will be a significant shift in perception.