Health Bill [HL]

I shall speak briefly to Amendment 66, the purpose of which is simply to emphasise the importance of evaluating the pilot schemes as thoroughly and inclusively as possible. We cannot predict all the difficulties that may arise as the pilot schemes run on, but, more to the point, I would feel comfortable if the Secretary of State’s evaluation of the pilots was a closed process. There is a lot of enthusiasm out there for direct payments in healthcare, as we have heard, but a lot of nervousness and apprehension as well. It is important that we get this right. I bring us back in particular to support and advice, the quality of which needs to be evaluated as part of the overall exercise if we are to learn the right lessons for the wider rollout of direct payments.