Public Services Debate

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Department: Cabinet Office

Public Services

Wendy Chamberlain Excerpts
Tuesday 28th April 2020

(4 years, 7 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Michael Gove Portrait Michael Gove
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I am grateful to my hon. Friend. Brian Kirkland’s suggestion is a noble one and I will pass it on to the Prime Minister. Of course, honours are a matter for the Crown, but I am sure that the sentiment my hon. Friend expresses will be well understood across the country.

Wendy Chamberlain Portrait Wendy Chamberlain (North East Fife) (LD) [V]
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Recent reports have stated that the contract for the NHS tracking app, which will handle huge amounts of personal and confidential data, is going to be given to the brother of a No.10 data scientist and former vote leave employee and a friend of Dominic Cummings. If this app is to be effective, we need the buy-in from the overwhelming majority of the public. What measures are the Government taking to ensure that trust in this app can be established and maintained?

Michael Gove Portrait Michael Gove
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I am grateful to the hon. Lady for her question. It seems to me that whether someone voted leave or remain is irrelevant to the question of their participation in helping us to resolve this crisis. It is my understanding that the app is being developed by NHSX, which is the arm of the NHS responsible for technological innovation under the leadership of the inspirational public servant, Matthew Gould.