Oral Answers to Questions

Alun Cairns Excerpts

Tuesday 22nd October 2013 Commons Chamber

[Jane Ellison]

I am interested in looking at what the hon. Gentleman says, and I will be happy to talk to him about that.

[Alun Cairns (Vale of Glamorgan) (Con)]

10. What steps his Department is taking to promote a culture of openness and transparency across the NHS.

[The Secretary of State for Health (Mr Jeremy Hunt)]

We need to change the culture of the NHS so that where there are problems with care or safety, people feel able to speak out. The Government have banned gagging clauses, they are introducing a statutory duty of candour, and they have for the first time published surgery outcomes for 10 specialties by consultant.

[Alun Cairns]

I commend the Secretary of State for his transparency agenda, which has uncovered previously untold horrors. What more can he do to ensure that in future no Minister can ever cover up failure in the NHS?

[Mr Hunt]

I know this is difficult territory for the Labour party, but the most important thing is for regulators to feel that they can speak out about poor care without fear or favour. I am afraid that did not happen under the previous Government, so let me just—