HC Deb 12 March 1996 vol 273 cc770-1
4. Dr. Goodson-Wickes

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what consultations he has had over the future of the independent sector hospitals in the provision of health care. [18387]

The Minister for Health (Mr. Gerald Malone)

I have met representatives from the Independent Healthcare Association and individual independent health care companies from time to time, to discuss issues of concern to the independent sector.

Dr. Goodson-Wickes

My hon. Friend may know that the third largest independent hospital in this country is Benenden hospital in Kent, originally founded for postal workers and their families. Despite the fact that Unison has questioned whether that represents a two-tier system, will my hon. Friend assure the House that he has no intention of denying choice and diversity to trade union and Labour party members who continue to use that excellent hospital for health care outside the national health service?

Mr. Malone

It is rather good to see the words of partnership in the bible that was published 10 days ago by the hon. Member for Hartlepool (Mr. Mandelson) being put into practice by some Labour party members. That particular aspect of the mixed economy in health care is welcome, and I am sure that it will endure.

Mrs. Anne Campbell

Will the Minister confirm that NHS hospitals have been asked to reduce waiting lists in the period leading to the next general election to 12 months wherever possible and that, as a result, Addenbrookes hospital in Cambridge has been contracting patients into private hospitals, including the BUPA hospital in Norwich? Why cannot the NHS provide for NHS patients?

Mr. Malone

I find it extraordinary that the hon. Lady attacks us for reducing NHS waiting lists. I understood that it has been accepted by the Labour party that we have partnership in health care. If the hon. Lady is suggesting that where value for money and effective treatment can be obtained in the private sector, that should be denied to patients, I hope she will explain why to her constituents, who would be denied the sort of health care that they are now receiving if the hon. Lady were ever to get into office.