Oral Answers to Questions

Lord Mann Excerpts
Tuesday 7th December 2010

(13 years, 7 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Lord Lansley Portrait Mr Lansley
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I am indeed aware of that, as my hon. Friend would expect. He will know that we are considering how we can give effect to the proper regulation of herbal practitioners and we will make an announcement shortly.

Lord Mann Portrait John Mann (Bassetlaw) (Lab)
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T5. If a hospital service’s reconfiguration is demonstrably and overwhelmingly rejected by a local population, what notice will the Secretary of State take of the patients’ voice?

Lord Lansley Portrait Mr Lansley
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It was only under this Government, after the election, that tests were set out that such reconfigurations should meet. Those tests clearly included recognition of the voice of the public and of the local authority as well as current and prospective patient choice. To that extent, for the very first time, reconfigurations are not being dictated by an NHS administration but are responding to the views of patients and clinicians.