Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Bill

Part of the debate – in the House of Lords at 7:00 pm on 13 October 2003.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Earl Howe Earl Howe Conservative 7:00, 13 October 2003

Perhaps PCTs might have that kind of demographic information—I am not sure that I accept that every trust has it. Nevertheless, if the Minister tells me that that is so, I must take it on board.

Placing this requirement on the face of the Bill will lead to serious practical problems. We can all sign up to the general wish that there should be representative membership, but I think it is an unnecessary straitjacket to have it as a legal requirement.

Once again, we must be mindful of the time, and I beg leave to withdraw the amendment.