Oral Answers to Questions

Adam Afriyie Excerpts

Tuesday 18th October 2011 Commons Chamber

[Paul Burstow]

That was a good example of bluster—perhaps that is what we will see from the Opposition under the right hon. Gentleman’s stewardship.

The right hon. Gentleman ought to be aware, because it happened on his watch, that primary care trusts and strategic health authorities have seen their management costs increase by more than £1 billion. There was a 120% increase from 2002 to when this Government took office. That is why we are determined to cut overhead costs in the NHS, so that we can reinvest every penny in the front line.

[Adam Afriyie (Windsor) (Con)]

7. What recent representations he has received from Berkshire East primary care trust on the future of Heatherwood hospital in Ascot.

[The Secretary of State for Health (Mr Andrew Lansley)]

I have received no such representations.

[Adam Afriyie]

My constituents are shocked to discover that yet again, the future of Heatherwood is under threat. I have had sight of a major petition, and I am actively campaigning with hard-working local councillors, activists and residents to uncover why Heatherwood’s future is under threat when the funding from the Government to the region has increased. Does my right hon. Friend agree that the Berkshire East PCT must cut its bureaucracy costs and introduce efficiencies before threatening the money to Heatherwood hospital and other local services?

[Mr Lansley]

I am grateful to my hon. Friend and completely understand what he is saying. In this financial year compared to the previous one, revenue available to Berkshire East PCT increased by £16.3 million. That is just one part of the £3.8 billion increase in revenue resources available to the NHS this year compared with last year.

Although I very much welcome the shadow Secretary of State to his new position, we will miss his predecessor. We welcome the new shadow Secretary of State not least because he might begin to explain to the NHS why he thought it was irresponsible to increase resources to the NHS in real terms by about £3.8 billion—