I'm pleased to open this afternoon's debate on the Health and Social Care (Quality and Engagement) (Wales) Bill. The Bill is the product of a great number of contributions, from a wide range of sources. The Bill has been informed by over 330 responses to our 2017 consultation, which provided a sound basis for bringing forward the legislation. And I'm grateful to all of those who have contributed throughout that process, and during scrutiny of the Bill itself, to support the development of the thinking and the approach. As always, the scrutiny process has provided insight, and sharpened our initial proposals. And I'd like to pay tribute to the work of the members and officials of the Health, Social Care and Sport Committee in leading this work. Both the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee and the Finance Committee have also examined the provisions thoroughly, and I'm grateful for their work in this area also.

I wish to acknowledge the efforts of stakeholder groups, particularly the board of community health councils, the British Medical Association, the Royal College of Nursing and the Welsh Local Government Association. We are committed to continuing this work together, with engagement from other key partners, including citizens and professional representatives, as we move into the implementation phase, subject to the passage of the Bill today, and of course to Royal Assent being granted. If passed today, and subject to Royal Assent, the Government's intention is that the Bill will be implemented within two years. The provisions within this Bill represent a significant step forward in driving quality and improvement in health and in social care, and I urge Members to support the Bill today.