Health Bill [HL]

My Lords, I thank the Minister for her comments. I recognise that the amendment does not answer all the problems that the cap poses for the NHS—that is inevitable. However, the amendment does enable—quickly—some opportunities for rational decision-making that are not there at the moment. The amendment clearly places in the Bill a principle that has the support of all sides of the House. I have been given assurances that there are people in the Government who do not have a problem with it, because it is going in the direction that the noble Baroness, Lady Thornton, indicated the Government want to go in. We are saying, "Let us take a step forward in the direction that the Government want to go". When the Government are able to institute a review, we would all hope to be involved in it, contribute to it and support it. Then, if possible, a consensus can be found through a good consultation process in which all the issues can be resolved, and a set of principles wider than we are able to deal with today can be put into a future Bill. However, that is all for the future. There is no upcoming health Bill, and the issues are too important to leave for an unspecified opportunity in the future. NHS foundation trusts up and down the country are struggling with this. In my view, having the principle in the Bill will affect how people operate. We have boards of governors and members councils out there that will be watching this and will know that the principle is in the Bill—if we can get it in the Bill. Personally, as somebody who passionately believes in the NHS and NHS patients, I want—and we want—that principle in the Bill. Therefore, I wish to test the opinion of the House. Division on Amendment 15 Contents 191; Not-Contents 133. Amendment 15 agreed. A privilege amendment was made. Bill passed and sent to the Commons.