Health Bill [HL]

The noble Baroness, Lady Thornton, was kind enough to explain to the noble Earl, Lord Howe, and me that the noble Lord, Lord Darzi, is unable to be with us today because of a family bereavement. On behalf of the Committee, I should like to extend our condolences to the noble Lord, Lord Darzi, and his family. The noble Earl, Lord Howe, and my noble friend Lady Tonge are delayed and will be with us shortly. I am sure that in the absence of the noble Lord, Lord Darzi, the noble Baroness, Lady Thornton, will take the Committee through with her usual thoroughness and aplomb. I wish her all the best for this afternoon.