Further written evidence to be reported to the House
Health and Social Care Bill
4:15 pm
Stephen O'Brien (Shadow Minister, Health; Eddisbury, Conservative)
That is clear, thank you. It strikes us that there will be an opportunity to discuss the element of independence that has been focused on in some of the questions and your replies. That will probably take place early on Thursday afternoon in the amendment that is tabled to clause 2(4), which in relation to the Bill performing its functions of looking at the commission, would insert what the Secretary of State may “direct” instead of what the Secretary of State may “advise”. That may be a turning point in deciding who we look to for independence in that area. There will be an opportunity during the discussions to focus on that.