Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what discussions he has had with phone companies on rates charged to the NHS for sending text messages.

The Department does not set or negotiate the rates charged to National Health Service organisations for sending text messages. Telephony and messaging services are procured locally by NHS bodies through established commercial arrangements, including framework agreements. Rates are set by suppliers in accordance with agreed contractual terms and published rate cards, providing a transparent and standardised basis for pricing.