4. Statement by the Minister for Health and Social Services: The Health Service Procurement (Wales) Bill

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 4:07 pm on 14 February 2023.

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Photo of Baroness Mair Eluned Morgan Baroness Mair Eluned Morgan Labour 4:07, 14 February 2023

(Translated)

Thank you very much. I do think that we do need to keep a weather eye on what is happening, and we do need to bear in mind that this is a very brief Bill. So, what we're talking about here is a framework, and what will be important is what will go into that framework, and that's why it's important that we'll have an opportunity to come back to discuss the details of what goes into the framework. That'll be the point at which it will be much more of a political issue, and that's the point where we'll have to look at whether what's being proposed in England is appropriate for us here in Wales too. So, I don't think that this initial phase is as contentious as that; it's the second phase that will be, and of course, we'll have to come back to the Senedd for that.

I do share your concerns in terms of the private sector, and we have to be vigilant in that regard, but I also think that there are examples where the third sector, for example, does excellent work, and what is a barrier to them—and I'm sure you've discussed this with some of them, too—is that they have to jump through all of these hoops, even though they provide such a good service. Why do we have to go through that process time and time again even though the service they provide is so good? That causes difficulties in terms of keeping people in their posts and so on. So, I think that there are aspects that will be of assistance to the third sector, and that is something that I would be comfortable with. I just want to be clear: in terms of the reason why—.