text_body: --- DIVISION TITLE ---
  
  National Health Service (Amended Duties and Powers) Bill - Second Reading
  
  --- MOTION EFFECT ---
  
  @ MP voted aye for a series of changes to the powers and duties of the Secretary of State for Health in relation to the NHS.
  @ MP voted no against a series of changes to the powers and duties of the Secretary of State for Health in relation to the NHS.
  
  The majority of MPs voted for a series of changes to the powers and duties of the Secretary of State for Health in relation to the NHS; including a duty to promote comprehensive health service based on social solidarity; powers to direct more parts of the NHS and the power to cap the income NHS trusts can earn from providing services to private patients.
  
  MPs were considering the National Health Service (Amended Duties and Powers) Bill[1][2] at its second reading. This vote was on the motion:
  
  :That the Bill be now read a Second time.
  
  The motion was passed which enabled the Bill to continue on its path to becoming law. 
  
  The Bill:
  
  * Places a duty on the Secretary of State to promote comprehensive health service based on social solidarity.
  * Gives the Secretary of State the power to give directions to: Clinical Commissioning Groups; The National Health Service Commissioning Board; NHS Trusts and Special Health Authorities. 
  * Allows the Secretary of State to cap the income NHS trusts can earn from providing services to patients outside the NHS.
  * Requires the consent of the Secretary of State to mergers or major property transactions by NHS foundation trusts. 
  * Removes the competition functions from [https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/monitor Monitor] and excludes the NHS from the provisions of the [http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1998/41/contents Competition Act 1998].
  * Provides that no legally enforceable procurement obligations shall be imposed on NHS commissioners in relation to any arrangement which is proposed to take effect or takes effect by way of an NHS contract. 
  * Provides that no ratification of the proposed [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transatlantic_Trade_and_Investment_Partnership Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership Treaty] shall cause any legally enforceable procurement or competition obligations to be imposed on any NHS body entering into any arrangement for the provision of health services in any part of the health service.
  
  
  ==
  
  * [1] [http://services.parliament.uk/bills/2014-15/nationalhealthserviceamendeddutiesandpowers.html Parliament's webpage on the National Health Service (Amended Duties and Powers) Bill]
  * [2] [http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/bills/cbill/2014-2015/0018/en/15018en.htm Explanatory notes to the National Health Service (Amended Duties and Powers) Bill]
  --- COMMENTS AND NOTES ---
  
  (put thoughts and notes for other researchers here)
  