§ Mr. MilburnStatutory control of clinics offering cosmetic surgery in the private sector is provided through a system of registration and inspection delegated to health authorities under the Registered Homes Act 1984.
§ Ann ClwydI am grateful to my hon. Friend for that answer. I know that the Government have already set up 705 a review into silicone implants. Will he look again at regulations for private cosmetic clinics? I gave the previous Government a great deal of evidence about hundreds of women who have been scarred and injured as a result of treatment by cowboy operators in some private cosmetic clinics. Is my hon. Friend aware that a previous president of the Royal College of Surgeons said that animals are better protected in Britain than are people? Will he re-examine the matter?
§ Mr. MilburnI commend my hon. Friend's work on behalf of patients who have suffered through cosmetic surgery in the private sector. All patients, regardless of whether they receive their treatment and operations in the private sector or the national health service, should expect the highest possible standards of medical care. My hon. Friend will be aware that there are certain safeguards for patients within the current regulatory framework. Ministers are considering how better to safeguard patients' interests when they use private sector medical treatment.