Schedule 3
Health Bill [Lords]
12:30 pm
Mike O'Brien (Minister of State (Health Services), Department of Health; North Warwickshire, Labour)
The amendment would place a duty on the Minister to undertake consultation prior to any ancillary provisions being made by regulations relating to the Commission on Human Medicines, committees or expert advisory groups. The provision extends beyond the commission to various committees and expert advisory groups. The Secretary of State will work jointly with the Minister for Health, Social Services and Public Safety in the Northern Ireland Executive to enact any regulations. It is important that they have the flexibility to react swiftly to changing circumstances. Consultation on the technical detail of this essentially administrative process would take time and could delay essential appointments.
Formal consultation on the proposed suspension powers and processes has already been undertaken. The devolved Administrations and the non-executive communities support the proposals. I hope that the hon. Gentleman will withdraw the amendment because the consultation on the processes has already taken place and has secured support.