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NHS Redress Bill [Lords]

The hon. Lady has described an extremely unfortunate case. However, that would be an unlikely scenario in today’s NHS, given that much of the documentation is now computerised. I do not want to open up a debate on NHS information technology, but much of the information would be held on an IT record today, and there would not be the same risk of data relevant to a case going missing. Even if some paperwork were lost, it could probably be replicated from the source material. However, the hon. Lady has made a reasonable point, and obviously we would not want to see such things happen. I have dealt with the points raised by Opposition Members. They seem to want to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory, but I urge them not to do so. Indeed, they should be pleased with the concessions that we have made. Earl Howe pressed us to go further and to provide a report giving an explanation of how similar circumstances would not arise again, and I believe that the amendments have responded to concerns that were expressed in another place. There was consensus on all sides on these issues, and I believe that there still is. However, if Opposition Members want to pursue the issue of consultation, I recommend that they do so. I commend the amendment to the House. Amendment agreed to. Amendment made: No. 9, in page 3, line 8, at end insert"‘and""(d) the giving of a report on the action which has been, or will be, taken to prevent similar cases arising,’.—[Andy Burnham.]"