Although I broadly support the intention behind amendments 1 and 2, I have a couple of reservations that they would pave the way to allowing past cabinet secretaries and ministers to be appointed as patient safety commissioner. I would be grateful if the minister and Emma Harper could confirm, in summing up, whether it is their intention to exclude former health ministers and cabinet secretaries from the patient safety commissioner role. In many cases, decisions that have been made in office in the past might have an impact on matters relating to patient safety now, which would constitute a clear conflict of interest. Clarity on that point would be most welcome.

On a related point, the Nolan principles of public life specify a period of two years from leaving office to taking up a public appointment. Why has that been reduced in amendment 1 to one year?