Health and Care Bill

Debate between Paula Barker and Edward Argar

Report stage
Monday 22nd November 2021 Commons Chamber

[Edward Argar]

I have already given way to the hon. Lady, so I will not do so again.

I thank the hon. Member for Bristol South for her words, but the situation is not as she characterises it with my having been dealt a difficult or challenging hand this evening. I am proud to stand here and defend this Government as the first Government to make changes to tackle the social care challenges that this country faces.

[Paula Barker (Liverpool, Wavertree) (Lab)]

Will the Minister give way?

[Edward Argar]

I have given way a number of times and I want to make some progress. I will be winding up the debate, so hon. Members will have the opportunity to come back in then.

--- Later in debate ---

[Paula Barker]

Will the Minister give way?

[Edward Argar]

On ICBs, but not on new clause 49. We have moved on and I need to make some progress, because I know that many Members want to speak.

[Paula Barker]

I thank the Minister for giving way; he has been very generous with his time. Does he agree that if true integration and genuine parity of esteem are to be achieved, it should be written into law that local authorities should have a seat on the ICB?

[Edward Argar]

Local authorities will have a seat on ICBs and on ICPs. The approach set out in the legislation is appropriate. We have sought throughout for it to be permissive, not prescriptive, and that remains the right approach.