HC Deb 20 May 1997 vol 294 cc499-500
11. Mr. Ian Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what support he will be giving to the use of the NHS network for education of children in hospital. [414]

Mr. Boateng

We are fully in support of initiatives to improve access to education resources for children whilst they are in hospital, and aware of the NHS network's potential to make a significant contribution to this process.

Mr. Taylor

In welcoming the hon. Gentleman to the Dispatch Box, I have to say that in opposition Labour showed no interest in the remarkable plans for the express link-up hospital project run by the redoubtable Pat Ryan. In April, when I opened the national network for the education of children in hospital, Labour had paid no attention. May I urge the Minister to pay close attention to express link-up and to realise the world-leading position that we can secure as a result of the NHS network built up under the previous Government?

Mr. Boateng

On the contrary: far from showing no interest in the Internet, it was the Labour party that proposed a national grid for learning. In implementing our proposals with regard to the NHS link, however, we must recognise that it is very important to ensure that there are safety controls on the network in hospital to prevent children tuning in to some of the ghouls and nasties which are to be found not only on the Conservative Benches but in the system itself.