Health Bill [Lords] — Health and safety of NHS doctors — 15 Jun 1999

(a) an employer, and;

(b) a provider of health services.

(2) In subsection (1) "independent" means having a majority of members not employed by the NHS or under the control of the Secretary of State.'.-- [Mr. Simon Hughes.]

Brought up, and read the First time.

I beg to move, That the clause be read a Second time.

Mr. Deputy Speaker:

With this, it will be convenient to discuss the following amendments: No. 78, in clause 2, page 2, line 20, at end insert--

Motion and clause, by leave, withdrawn.

(a) the benefits; and

(b) the practicality

of setting up and funding a health care and efficiency scheme in their area, and every report shall specify those measures that the Authority or Board consider should be taken in order to alleviate fuel poverty in their area.

(2) In subsection (1)--

"fuel poverty" means the inability to afford adequate warmth because of the inadequate energy efficiency of a home;

"health care and efficiency scheme" means a scheme for enabling or assisting persons suffering from fuel poverty to heat their homes more efficiently.'.-- [Sir Robert Smith.]

Brought up, and read the First time.

I beg to move, That the clause be read a Second time.

The new clause rehearses a proposal in the Health Care and Energy Efficiency Bill, my private Member's Bill whose Second Reading has been begun but adjourned. Given that that Bill will run out of time, the new clause gives the Minister an opportunity to outline how he will deal with this important matter.

The new clause would help health authorities to implement the results of the pilot schemes that have already been held and to help people who suffer health problems as a result of such factors as damp and poor insulation in their housing. I hope that the Minister, when he replies, will set out the Government's approach.

My office and the Department are trying to set up a meeting in connection with my private Member's Bill, which the Department of the Deputy Prime Minister has said it is seeking to improve. Obviously I welcome that, but it is important to hear what the Government intend

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to do. Some successful schemes have been carried out, and best practice should apply across the country. I hope that the Minister will say how the Government plan to do that.

Motion and clause, by leave, withdrawn.

Brought up, and read the First time.

I beg to move, That the clause be read a Second time.

Mr. Deputy Speaker (Sir Alan Haselhurst):

With this, it will be convenient to discuss the following: New clause 28-- Regulation of doctors' working hours --

It being five hours after the commencement of proceedings on the Allocation of Time motion, Mr. Deputy Speaker, pursuant to Order [this day], put forthwith the Question already proposed from the Chair.

Question put , That the clause be read a Second time:--

The House divided: Ayes 154, Noes 337.

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