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Health Bill

My noble Friend Earl Howe and my right hon. Friend the Member for North-West Hampshire (Sir George Young) argued that authorised persons entering a private dwelling under the provisions of part 3 should be accompanied by a police constable, and we are pleased that the Government agree with that sensible suggestion. The power of entry will of course be exercised very rarely, but Conservative Members regard such incursions as quite grave and serious, and we welcome the safeguard that the amendments will provide. We also note the protection that they may give authorised persons, and the evidential benefits that may accrue. I was going to quiz the Minister on what circumstances she might have in mind in providing the possibility of exemptions to the sensible provisions that she has described, but she has given two good examples. With that in mind, I support Lords amendment No. 23. I hope that it will provide the safeguards that we have sought in Committee and in the other place. Lords amendment agreed to. Lords amendments Nos. 24 to 28 agreed to.