National Health Service (Amended Duties and Powers) Bill

Debate between Tony Baldry and Brian H. Donohoe

Friday 21st November 2014 Commons Chamber

[Sir Tony Baldry]

I would hope, with an organisation like the NHS, that it would not become a political football—that there would be considerable continuity. The fact that the person now in post worked with a Labour Government on NHS proposals is a strong point rather than a weak one.

[Mr Brian H. Donohoe (Central Ayrshire) (Lab)]

I am wondering whether the right hon. Gentleman supports or opposes the Bill, because he has been speaking for some time and has not made that clear.

[Sir Tony Baldry]

The point I am making, which I shall develop, is that the Bill is completely unnecessary. I also want to make the point that all Opposition Members seem to wish to deny that there has been any involvement of the NHS with the private sector. It is important to remind the House of the fact that it was the Labour party, and a Labour Government, who introduced the private sector into the NHS, and the 2012 legislation in no way significantly changed that relationship.