Health and Social Care Bill (Programme) (No. 4)

We have also clarified a foundation trust's principal legal purpose to show that it must continue to earn the majority of its income from NHS activity and that that is its overriding priority. Revenue for treating NHS patients could absolutely not be used to cross-subsidise private care, and we would expect Monitor's licensing regime to prohibit that categorically. The amendments provide important safeguards, so I urge the House to support them. Finally, this group contains a number of minor and technical amendments, including those implementing recommendations from the Delegated Powers and Regulatory Reform Committee that provide for greater consultation and clarify various matters. I urge hon. Members to support the Lords amendments in this group and to reject the Opposition's amendments to Lords amendment 148.