New Clause 2 — Community Health Councils: scheme for reform

Part of Orders of the Day — National Health Service Reform and Health Care Professions Bill – in the House of Commons at 7:00 pm on 15 January 2002.

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Photo of Stephen Hesford Stephen Hesford Labour, Wirral West 7:00, 15 January 2002

I am afraid that I shall not go down that road—[Interruption.] No, no.

The strong support that my hon. Friend the Member for Wakefield received from Liberal Democrats shows that, in effect, his new clause has not grasped the issue; it is a compromise too far. The Bill is not the same as the one that came before the House in the last Parliament. I commend my hon. Friend's tribute to the Under- Secretary, my hon. Friend Ms Blears, who has indeed clearly listened. The Government have travelled a long way on reform; I urge the House to accept that she and the Government have travelled far enough. Some problems that were rightly identified have now been addressed. The Commission for Patient and Public Involvement in Health, for example, is a valuable addition.

I know that other Members want to participate in our debate so, to conclude, I will say only that new clauses 2 and 5 seek delay; they do not get to grips with the problem. The Government were right to introduce their proposals and I urge the House to reject both new clauses.