Health and Social Care Bill

Lord Mawhinney Excerpts

Monday 19th December 2011 Lords Chamber

We support most of the amendments tabled by the noble Baronesses, Lady Massey, Lady Finlay and Lady Greengross, the noble Lord, Lord Ramsbotham, and others. At the table where strategy is being discussed, we think it is necessary to have capable, representative voices of those most interested in the outcomes, whether representing present and future clients or from the professional background, bringing their particular expertise to bear on the issues that the board has to address and take into account in preparing the strategies that, over time, should make a significant difference.

[Lord Mawhinney]

I am most grateful to the noble Lord. I think he knows that I listen carefully to him when he is on his feet. The essence of a democracy is that people are elected to represent their community. I can see an argument for having some professionally trained people adding their expertise, because it might be a stretch to expect locally elected people to command the technicalities of a professional view, but given that commitment of democracy, why does the noble Lord think it necessary to have so many other people representing—in the best possible spirit, I hasten to add—specialist vocations or vested interests?

[Lord Beecham]

In the first place, I am grateful to the noble Lord, Lord Mawhinney, for recognising when I am on my feet, given that there is not much of me to be seen. In relation to his question, I am not suggesting that they should be voting members. That is the point. There is a difference. The voting members—I do not mean executive members—should be confined to elected councillors and those representing the other partners, the clinical commissioning groups and the trusts. It is a partnership arrangement. You have this sort of arrangement in care trusts and the like. It is an acceptable one, but at the very least there should be equality of arms between the elected members and those from other organisations.