s 254 Powers to direct NHS England to establish information systems
(1) The Secretary of State ... may direct NHS England to establish and operate a system for the collection or analysis of information of a description specified in the direction. (2) A direction may be given under subsection (1) by the Secretary of State only if— (a) the Secretary of State considers that the information which could be obtained by complying with the direction is information which it is necessary or expedient for the Secretary of State to have in relation to the exercise by the Secretary of State of the Secretary of State's functions in connection with the provision of health services or of adult social care in England, or (b) the Secretary of State otherwise considers it to be in the interests of the health service in England or of the recipients or providers of adult social care in England for the direction to be given. (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (5) Before giving a direction under subsection (1) the Secretary of State ... must consult NHS England . (6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (7) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .