Part of Health and Social Care Bill – in a Public Bill Committee at 11:45 am on 22 January 2008.
Sandra Gidley
Shadow Minister, Health
11:45,
22 January 2008
Amendment No. 238 is simple, because the Clause as currently drafted, states the OHPA must
“from time to time seek the views of” various bodies. While that is fine, I want to insert the words “and take account of”, to strengthen the clause. There are too many consultations in which the people who are consulted feel ignored. The amendment strengthens the position of the consultees.
Amendment No. 225 seeks to achieve a similar aim with a different wording. I would rather listen to the arguments of the hon. Member for Eddisbury on the remaining amendments, about some of which I was slightly curious about why he had tabled them.
A parliamentary bill is divided into sections called clauses.
Printed in the margin next to each clause is a brief explanatory `side-note' giving details of what the effect of the clause will be.
During the committee stage of a bill, MPs examine these clauses in detail and may introduce new clauses of their own or table amendments to the existing clauses.
When a bill becomes an Act of Parliament, clauses become known as sections.
As a bill passes through Parliament, MPs and peers may suggest amendments - or changes - which they believe will improve the quality of the legislation.
Many hundreds of amendments are proposed by members to major bills as they pass through committee stage, report stage and third reading in both Houses of Parliament.
In the end only a handful of amendments will be incorporated into any bill.
The Speaker - or the chairman in the case of standing committees - has the power to select which amendments should be debated.
A parliamentary bill is divided into sections called clauses.
Printed in the margin next to each clause is a brief explanatory `side-note' giving details of what the effect of the clause will be.
During the committee stage of a bill, MPs examine these clauses in detail and may introduce new clauses of their own or table amendments to the existing clauses.
When a bill becomes an Act of Parliament, clauses become known as sections.
