Greater London Authority Bill

I thank noble Lords for giving me the opportunity to clarify the points that I am trying to make. The bottom line is that we are talking about the constitutional question of whether civil servants should be required to attend the Assembly. I was also putting forward the argument that because the health adviser advises the Assembly in spite of having a Civil Service position, the Assembly should not suffer. The role of the health adviser is to advise the Assembly, not just the Mayor. A Memorandum of Understanding between the health adviser and the Mayor clearly sets out the methods of communication and the level and speed of advice that is expected. There is a detailed process for working together. I hope I have answered the fundamental point and that the other points I have made reassure noble Lords that the role of the health adviser is positive for the Assembly as well as the Mayor.