Lord Scriven (LD)

I therefore wish to pose the following extra questions to the Minister. My first is on the timescale of and reasons for bringing this statutory instrument forward. Based on the fact that the impact assessment says that, “despite best endeavours to collect and draw upon strong evidence, cost and benefit assumptions remain uncertain and based on limited evidence availability in places”, why has this statutory instrument been brought forward? Why could it not have been brought forward when there was more certainty and understanding of the implications of its implementation? Secondly, given the breadth of data mandated for collection, what specific purposes will the Government put in place to ensure strict proportionality and to prevent the collection and sharing of information that is not absolutely necessary for the stated purposes of these regulations? Also, how will the Government guarantee that these measures will be actively monitored and enforced? Thirdly, acknowledging the significant disparities in digital infrastructure across the health and social care landscape—particularly in the social care sector—what concrete financial and practical support will the Government provide to ensure the equitable implementation of these standards? What is the projected timeline for achieving full interoperability across all relevant organisations? How will the cost implications of this implementation mean that that timescale could be flexible? Considering the fundamental importance of individual autonomy and data privacy, what further steps will the Government take to strengthen the explicit consent mechanisms in these regulations, ensuring that individuals have clear, accessible information and meaningful control over their own health and social care data when it is shared and used? We believe in the transformative potential of data to improve health and social care. However, this transformation must be built on a foundation of trust, transparency and respect for individual rights. I therefore urge the Minister to carefully consider the concerns and ensure that these regulations truly serve the best interests of the individuals they are intended to benefit. I remind the Minister that it might be useful to meet before this goes to the Floor of the House, in particular with regard to some of the issues in the impact assessment.