Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what his timeline is for reviewing (a) the hospital building programme, (b) the new diagnostics centres programme, (c) primary care programmes and (d) other capital projects.

All capital spending activity is kept under regular review to ensure that it continues to meet the needs of patients and delivers value for money.

This Government recognises that strategic, value for money investments in capital projects are critical to providing good quality care. In line with this Government’s plans to deliver a National Health Service fit for the future and as part of our internal Spending Review preparations, the Department is reviewing capital requirements, including through NHS England’s assessment of long-term NHS estate needs across a range of areas. Timescales associated with the Spending Review are yet to be confirmed.

The Secretary of State has asked for an urgent report on the degree to which the New Hospital Programme is funded and a realistic timetable for delivery.