UK Parliament / Open data

Health Bill [Lords]

Proceeding contribution from Andy Burnham (Labour) in the House of Commons on Monday, 8 June 2009. It occurred during Debate on bills on Health Bill [Lords].
I thank the shadow Secretary of State for his congratulations, and look forward to crossing swords with him once again. I have enjoyed many exchanges with him in television studios and across the Floor of the House, and I am sure that I shall do so again. I did indeed read Lord Warner's words in preparation for today's debate, and they obviously carry considerable weight, given the position that he held in the Department and his role in the Bill's passage. I am also aware of the particular position of mental health trusts, not just in terms of their relationship with bodies working for the Department for Work and Pensions or, as the hon. Gentleman said, with the new deal, but in terms of their relationship with local authorities and other parts of the public sector. The hon. Gentleman is right to identify issues that need to be examined. That is why we set up the review. As his intervention demonstrated, this is a complex issue, and, especially given my recent arrival, I do not think that it would be wise for me to make a snap judgment today on whether to accept an amendment from the Lords. However, I give the hon. Gentleman a commitment to work through the issue, and I suspect that, with his engagement and that of the Foundation Trust Network, we shall be able to reach the right place.

About this proceeding contribution

Reference

493 c546 

Session

2008-09

Chamber / Committee

House of Commons chamber
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