Oral Answers to Questions

Alison McGovern Excerpts

Tuesday 25th January 2011 Commons Chamber

[Anne Milton]

I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his question. There is no doubt that price is one of the tools to which I referred. However, we need to take a huge number of actions. Reforming the Licensing Act 2003 via the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Bill will bring in a number of measures—for instance, doubling the fines for under-age alcohol sales to £20,000 and giving councils and the police the power to shut permanently shops or bars that persistently sell alcohol to children. That is one other way. Also, the Bill will make local health bosses responsible authorities for licensing decisions. That is an important shift and demonstrates the fact that this is everybody’s problem—no one public body can cure this on its own.

[Alison McGovern (Wirral South) (Lab)]

7. What recent representations he has received on his plans for the internal reorganisation of the NHS; and if he will make a statement.

[Bridget Phillipson (Houghton and Sunderland South) (Lab)]

17. What recent representations he has received on his plans for the internal reorganisation of the NHS; and if he will make a statement.

[The Minister of State, Department of Health (Mr Simon Burns)]

The Government received more than 6,000 responses to the NHS White Paper consultations. As a result, we have strengthened both our approach to implementation and our proposals in the Health and Social Care Bill, which was introduced in Parliament last week.

[Alison McGovern]

The Government have embarked on a reorganisation of our health service that involves altering the commissioning process, handing responsibility to those with less experience of contracting, and at the same time unleashing the market, allowing a whole load of new providers in. What risks does the Minister see might be associated with that approach?

[Mr Burns]

The risk is that if we do not go ahead with these reforms, which are crucial to raising standards and improving outcomes, patient care, survival rates and treatment, we will be doing a grave disservice to the people of this country.