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Health and Social Care Bill

This is an interesting debate because penalties are a difficult area to consider. I noted with interest the point made by the noble Baroness, Lady Howarth, about a dual system, but I think the Minister said that it is not a dual system. Does that mean that if a small residential home comprising around eight beds and a large hospital both have a situation where a health-acquired infection such as MRSA is present, it is a question of degree? The fine imposed on the small residential home may well force it to go bust, whereas the state-funded hospital is likely to continue to function. Further, if the hospital is fined, we understand that the money is given to the commissioners who then return it to the hospital so that it can improve its services. Presumably that would not happen with the residential home because it is a private organisation.