The Secretary of State already has the power to intervene in reconfigurations and therefore the proposal is an extension of that power in relation to the timing of an intervention. However, the White Paper is not clear on the criteria for intervention, 42 The Government’s White Paper proposals for the reform of Health and Social Care nor is it clear on the role or replacement of the Independent Review Panel. This lack of clarity needs to be addressed if there is to be confidence in the process of Ministerial intervention in reconfigurations.