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Having now considered all the information and representations available to her, including the material she received in response to the latest consultation, the Secretary of State considers that there is a reasonable likelihood that either the proposal for a single unitary council for the county, or the proposals for two-unitary authorities based on Bedford Borough and central Bedfordshire (the area of Mid and South Bedfordshire District Councils) would, if implemented, meet the outcomes specified by each of the criteria set out in the invitation of 26 October 2006.
In line with the process for selecting from alternative proposals set out in the consultation document Means of Prioritising Proposals, issued in June 2007, the Secretary of State believes that, overall, the long-term outcomes around strategic leadership, neighbourhood empowerment and value for money and equity on public services, would be delivered to the greater extent by a two-unitary Bedfordshire. Accordingly, she intends to implement the proposals made by Bedford Borough and jointly by Mid and South Bedfordshire District Councils. I will today lay an order under Section 7 of the Local Government and Public Involvement in Health Act 2007 giving effect to that decision.
Medical Profession (Miscellaneous Amendments) Order 2008
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Lord Darzi of Denham): My honourable friend the Minister of State, Department of Health (Ben Bradshaw ) has made the following Written Ministerial Statement
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A consultation paper has been issued which asks for comments and views on a draft Section 60 order which makes a number of changes to the Medical Act 1983 and to the General and Specialist Medical Practice (Education, Training and Qualifications) Order 2003. The changes proposed in the draft order would implement two of the reforms set out in the White Paper: Trust Assurance and Safety—The Regulation of Health Professionals in the 21st Century. The draft order also provides an additional route to the specialist register for NHS consultants. All amendments relate to the functions of the General Medical Council (GMC).
The changes will take place under an order made under Section 60 of the Health Act 1999. That section provides for the amendment of Acts of Parliament and secondary legislation related to the regulation of healthcare professions, by means of an Order in Council subject to affirmative resolution parliamentary procedures.
Matters relating to these amendments are reserved to the UK Parliament. The draft order will cover three reforms as follows:
The transfer of the statutory functions of oversight of medical education from the Education Committee of the GMC to the Council of the GMC with amendments to the Medical Act 1983 to give effect to that transfer.
Licence to Practise and Revalidation
The Medical Act 1983 (Amendment) Order 2002 put in Part 3A of the Medical Act. However Part 3A of the Medical Act has not yet been fully brought into force. Part 3A provides for the GMC to make regulations for the issue and withdrawal of licences to practise and for the revalidation of medical practitioners. This Section 60 order would amend provisions relating to revalidation in the 1983 Medical Act to put in place a legislative framework that will support the commencement of revalidation, including the early piloting of the revalidation process. The provisions relating to licences to practise will then be commenced allowing the GMC to begin to issue such licences and enabling revalidation pilots to commence.
Amendments to the General and Specialist Medical Practice (Education, Training and Qualifications) Order 2003 to allow the GMC to provide a mechanism to enable consultants who did not apply for inclusion in the specialist register at the time it was established to make a late application to the GMC. This will reinstate the powers the GMC previously had prior to September 2005.
This is an open consultation and we welcome all views and comments.
The document has been placed in the Library and copies are available to honourable Members from the Vote Office. It can also be seen at www.dh.gov.uk/Consultations/liveconsultations/fs/en. Responses can be submitted via the website, or by email to Professionalregulations2@dh.gsi.gov.uk.
Responses may also be sent to: Consultation on the Medical Profession (Miscellaneous Amendments) Order 2008, Department of Health, Room 2N12, Quarry House, Quarry Hill, Leeds, LS2 7UE.
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National Audit Office
Lord Davies of Oldham: My honourable friend the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury (Angela Eagle) has made the following Written MinisterialStatement.
The Government welcome the fifteenth report of the Public Accounts Commission on the corporate governance of the National Audit Office that was published today (HC 402).
As public auditor, the NAO must command the respect of both Parliament and the diverse public sector it audits. It must remain independent so that it can report to Parliament impartially.
These sensible reforms will place it at the forefront of good corporate governance in the unique position it plays in British public life. The Government agree that the reforms will bring the governance of the NAO into the 21st century, giving it the moral authority it needs for the important work it does.
In line with the Prime Minister's undertaking made in November 2007, the Government will now come forward with draft clauses to give effect to those parts of the commission's conclusions which require legislation. These will then be put in the Constitutional Renewal Bill for introduction.
I should like to record the Government's appreciation of the commission's work, and of John Tiner's valuable advice to them.
NHS: Prescriptions
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Lord Darzi of Denham): My right honourable friend the Minister of State, Department of Health (Dawn Primarolohas made the following Written Ministerial Statement
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We will be laying regulations before Parliament to increase National Health Service charges in England from 1 April 2008. There will be an increase in the prescription charge of 25 pence from £6.85 to £7.10 for each quantity of a drug or appliance dispensed.
The cost of a prescription prepayment certificate (PPC) will rise to £27.85 for a three month certificate and to £102.50 for an annual certificate. PPCs offer savings for those needing more than three items in three months or 14 in one year.
Prescription charges are expected to raise some £435 million for the NHS in 2008-09This figure excludes prescription charges collected by dispensing doctors, which is not collected centrally, but remains with primary care trusts.
Charges for elastic stockings and tights, wigs and fabric supports supplied through the by hospitals will be increased similarly.
The increase is below the current level of inflation.
Details of the revised prescription and appliance increases are as follows:
| Proposed Increases In Charges From April 2008 | ||
| Item | Current Charges | New charge |
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