Clause 86 - Unitary board

Care Bill [Lords] – in a Public Bill Committee am 10:00 am ar 28 Ionawr 2014.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Question proposed, That the clause stand part of the Bill.

Photo of Jamie Reed Jamie Reed Shadow Minister (Health)

Clause 86, on appointments to the unitary board, relates to executive and non-executive members. My concern is, how will we guard against conflicts of interest of executive and non-executive members and will that be made clear in guidance at any stage? Is there a duty of candour—to coin a phrase—on executive members? Will the Government make it plain in any guidance they choose to lay before the House that conflicts of interest will be addressed and guarded against?

Photo of Norman Lamb Norman Lamb The Minister of State, Department of Health

I thank the shadow Minister for that question. It is clearly essential that conflicts of interest are avoided. There is no formal statutory duty of candour that applies to the Care Quality Commission; the duty of candour is to apply to providers of care. I am happy to write to the hon. Gentleman to confirm the process for the appointments of executive and non-executive directors of the CQC.

Photo of Jamie Reed Jamie Reed Shadow Minister (Health)

I am grateful for the Minister’s reply. I have precisely the same question about clause 87 and the appointment of chief inspectors.

Photo of Norman Lamb Norman Lamb The Minister of State, Department of Health

Mr Rosindell, I am happy to confirm that my letter to the shadow Minister will deal with both issues.

Question put and agreed to.

Clause 86 accordingly ordered to stand part of the Bill.

Clause 87 ordered to stand part of the Bill.