Health and Social Care Update

James Cartlidge Excerpts

Thursday 22nd September 2022 Commons Chamber

[Dr Coffey]

I thank the hon. Gentleman, whom the primary care Minister will be meeting.

[James Cartlidge (South Suffolk) (Con)]

I warmly welcome my constituency neighbour to her new dual role. I am grateful for her statement and, in particular, her commitment to work closely with the independent sector. She will be aware that figures show that as many as one in 10 adults in England have used the private sector in the past 12 months. Does she agree that without that waiting lists would be even higher? Will she therefore consider the reintroduction of tax relief on private medical insurance, which was first introduced by Ken Clarke in 1989 and was scrapped by the Labour party?

[Dr Coffey]

It is great to see my hon. Friend; our constituencies cross the River Deben. I will look into that matter for him and respond to him.