NHS Redress Bill [Lords]

My hon. Friend makes a very important point. Like her, I have dealt with constituents who have been intensely frustrated by the length of time taken to get the facts acknowledged and a proper apology offered. I am rather sympathetic to the point that she makes, although we have not yet considered the possibility of trying to impose time limits at different stages of complaints. Of course, such time limits would depend somewhat on the complexity of the matter that was being investigated, but I am sympathetic to the principle, and that is a point to which we should return not only in Committee, but particularly when we consult on the detailed orders that will establish the scheme. Clearly, there will be lively debates, not only this afternoon but in Committee, about some aspects of the redress scheme—in particular, the nature of the investigation that should take place—but I believe that, overall, not only in the House but across the country, there is broad support for the principles behind the Bill, and I commend it to the House.