Health and Social Care Bill

I should like to add a few words before considering whether or not to withdraw this amendment. The noble Earl, Lord Howe, has obviously made the best possible case he can, but given the very extensive doubts on all sides of the House, I feel that he ought to be asked to address this issue very clearly. It is bound up in many ways with the whole issue of the responsibilities and accountability of the Secretary of State which is under discussion at the present time. I will withdraw the amendment on the understanding that it will come back on Report when we have had an opportunity to see how this fits into the whole structure of responsibilities of the Secretary of State. Perhaps the most simple answer to the question that was asked by the noble Baroness, Lady Wheeler, is that on the basis of Amendment 153 it would be impossible for the Secretary of State to say, ““Not me, guv”” in response to the point made by the noble Lord, Lord Newton of Braintree. This is so central, and so serious, that in withdrawing the amendment I make it absolutely clear that I do so in order to give an opportunity to the department and to the Minister to consider how this may be best fitted in to the responsibilities and accountabilities of the Secretary of State over the whole of the health service. I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment 153 withdrawn. Amendments 153ZZA to 153ZA not moved. Clause 20 agreed. Clause 21 : Financial arrangements for the Board Clause 21 : Financial arrangements for the Board Amendments 153A and 153B not moved. Clause 21 agreed. Clause 22 : Clinical commissioning groups: establishment etc. Amendment 154 Clause 22 : Clinical commissioning groups: establishment etc. Amendment 154 Moved by