Clause 6
Health Bill [Lords]
6:30 pm
Sandra Gidley (Romsey, Liberal Democrat)
I have no problem in principle with amendments 116 and 117, but I was curious about amendments 14 and 118. I am glad that the hon. Member for Eddisbury has explained that the intention is for this to take place ahead of a general election. I think that is the wrong approach to take because, yet again, it makes the NHS a political football at a time when Conservative Members keep telling us the NHS is too politicised. There seems to be some contrary thinking on those Benches.
My major objection to the proposed date is that it is far too early to have a realistic review. I would support a little bit of electioneering if I felt that it was fair to the NHS staff, but it takes a little while for something to bed in, so any date that is within a year of the enactment of the Bill is too early and any information gleaned would be of limited value. There will be far more important debates to be had at the general election than the NHS constitution.