§ Mr. Chris Smith (Islington, South and Finsbury)I beg to move amendment No. 1, in page 3, line 5, after 'person', insert
', except by way of example for a general case without any identifying name or address included'.I shall be brief, because I hope that the Bill will receive its Third Reading during the remaining 10 minutes.The amendment would be useful in enabling a joint consultative committee to discuss in public a general point that might refer specifically to individual medical circumstances without disclosing the name and address of 1258 the individual. It would ease matters and marginally improve the Bill. It is a small point, but I hope that the Bill's promoter and the Minister will accept it.
§ Mr. Robin Squire (Hornchurch)The hon. Member for Islington, South and Finsbury (Mr. Smith) will understand if my speech is even shorter than his. I have not had much time to consider the full implications of the amendment, but, speaking only for myself, and subject to the views of my hon. Friend the Minister, the amendment seems to make sense. However, the hon. Gentleman will understand if I say that I would not wish to jeopardise the measure if there proved to be a handicap to absorbing his suggestion.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Security (Mr. Ray Whitney)I am advised that the amendment is unnecessary because the clause specifically refers to information about individuals and is clearly intended to preserve their privacy. I hope that the hon. Member for Islington, South and Finsbury (Mr. Smith) will withdraw the amendment.
§ Dr. John Marek (Wrexham)The Opposition would have welcomed the amendment, but, in view of the Minister's assurance that its aims are already contained in the Bill, I shall listen with interest to the comments of my hon. Friend the Member for Islington, South and Finsbury (Mr. Smith).
§ Mr. Chris SmithAfter that brief but helpful debate, I beg to ask leave to withdraw the amendment.
§ Amendment, by leave, Withdrawn.