The elements of quality set out in the Bill are non-exhaustive and deliberately broad, as I said in the debate on the first group. It is intended that quality will align with the internationally recognised definition of quality. And, again, that is intentional, given the broad-ranging functions of NHS bodies, and I do not want to risk diluting that approach or making it cross-purposes. And it's worth remembering that equity is one of the six domains recognised in the internationally accepted definition of quality, and therefore needs to be an important component of any decisions taken to secure improvement. I therefore won't be supporting the amendments brought forward in this group.

Importantly, as Members know, the Bill already makes a significant, and in this context very relevant, amendment to section 47 of the Health and Social Care (Community Health and Standards) Act 2003. That does mean that health and care standards must be taken into account by NHS bodies when discharging their quality improvement duty, and as I've already said those standards are being updated.

The health and care standards are comprehensive and mean that NHS bodies will have to consider matters relating to workforce, improving population health, equity, and the Welsh language in discharging their duty, because these are all covered in our current standards, and will be covered in the revised ones. These will be reinforced and set out in the statutory guidance that I've already referred to.

So, whilst I understand the sentiments behind the amendments, I don't believe they're required as the Bill, because of the alignment with the standards, will ensure that those requirements are covered in a manner in which they have statutory force, but also in a manner in which they can be revised, as indeed we have done at five-yearly intervals for some time. The amendments to expand the elements of quality are therefore, in my view, unnecessary, as they are already provided for.

To summarise, in my view, all three of the areas highlighted are catered for in the health and care standards that underpin the duty of quality, and the guidance can further reinforce this. There will also be important considerations for Welsh Ministers when taking decisions with a view to securing improvement in the quality of services. I therefore ask Members to oppose the amendments in this group.