Health Bill

I am happy to reassure the House that we want more choice for patients in ophthalmic and other medical services. We want the best possible services to be available in every community, with, of course, the best value for money. The Bill has important provisions that give new powers to the counter-fraud service, which already does excellent work to ensure that taxpayers’ money is used for the purpose for which hon. Members vote—better patient care. The Bill also responds to the Public Administration Committee’s report on government by appointment and reconfirms our commitment to an independent appointments process. The Bill is a major and historic step forward for public health. It will help us to continue to improve the national health service and will give patients and the public better, faster, more convenient and safer health care. The Bill was good, but it has been made even better by today’s votes. I commend it to the House.