Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Simon Burns and Bridget Phillipson

Tuesday 25th January 2011 Commons Chamber

[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.

[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.

[Bridget Phillipson]

Last week, north-east regional board members of the British Medical Association made it abundantly clear to me and other north-east colleagues that they have serious concerns about the Government’s plans and that they risk patient care. How is it that the Minister is right and they are wrong?

[Mr Burns]

Because I am afraid that the hon. Lady has not read the whole document, in this case from the BMA, or those from other organisations. What many say, including the BMA, on many of the proposals is that they are supportive of them, but naturally the hon. Lady and others cherry-pick those parts that suit their arguments.