Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, whether he has made an assessment of the implications of the findings of the Care Quality Commission's report of 20 December 2016 on Marie Stopes International for (a) patient safety and (b) public confidence in private abortion clinics; and if he will make a statement.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) continues to monitor the progress of Marie Stopes International (MSI) very closely and plans to inspect its centres and United Kingdom administrative offices again in the near future to ensure that ongoing improvements are made and maintained. The CQC has made clear that they will not hesitate to take further action, if necessary, in order to guarantee MSI meets the standard of care they expect and that its patients deserve. MSI is addressing the issues raised, including the management of fetal remains.

The Department continues to monitor the situation with particular regard being had to the statutory approval responsibilities of the Secretary of State.