Clause 40
Health Bill [Lords]
1:45 pm
Stephen O'Brien (Shadow Minister, Health; Eddisbury, Conservative)
Why was the Bill introduced in the upper House, thus necessitating this amendment? My understanding is that particularly controversial or detailed Bills may start in the upper House when it is necessary to bring specialist knowledge to amend their detail. This Bill is neither controversial—we have had some points of controversy, but in broad terms it is not regarded as controversial—nor does it contain detail requiring expert knowledge. It seems strange that the Bill was introduced in the upper House, thus we find ourselves faced with this Government amendment. I look forward to the explanation.