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Health and Social Care Bill

It is the context of the Bill as a whole that I was trying to bring to life. I do not think that anyone would argue with the Minister that precisely this wording is carried forward from previous legislation—I made that point myself—and that there is, as the noble Baroness, Lady Howarth, said, a balance to be struck. If this were the only provision of its kind in the Bill, I think that we would all feel more relaxed, but it is not and that is my concern. Of course, the Government could make a pretty good case for saying that they have not interfered with the Healthcare Commission or CSCI in terms of micromanaging their affairs, but we are legislating here not just for the present Government but for all future Governments on the assumption that this body will be with us for many years. Therefore, what is in the Bill matters. It is not just a question of Ministers standing up and saying, ““We have no intention of micromanaging””. We can all accept that assurance in good faith, but we are legislating for the statute book. I end on a positive note, picking up on the Minister’s final comment. If the Government go away and rethink some of the issues that we have debated in this Room in relation to Clauses 1 and 2, there is a possibility that we will make progress in this area. The introduction of objectives would, I think, serve to rebalance this part of the Bill in a helpful way. I am sure that we all look forward to those discussions. In the interests of expedition, I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. [Amendment No. 23 not moved.]