Paragraph 19

In section 27 (reports on impact of statutory provisions etc.), in subsection (1) after the words “Part of this Act” there shall be inserted “other than health service bodies”.

At the end of that section there shall be added the following subsection—

“(6)

Notwithstanding that the services provided by health service bodies are excluded from the scope of studies under this section, in undertaking or promoting studies under section 26(1) above relating to a health service body, the Commission may take into account the implementation by the body of—

(a)

any particular statutory provision or provisions, and

(b)

any directions or guidance given by the Secretary of State (whether pursuant to any such provision or otherwise),

but the power conferred by this subsection shall not be construed as entitling the Commission to question the merits of the policy objectives of the Secretary of State.”