§ Mr. Michael MorrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what are the terms of reference and scope of the Tomlinson inquiry into delivery of health care in London; what assistance the inquiry is obtaining from the King's fund study in the same field; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyThe terms of reference of Sir Bernard Tomlinson's inquiry are
To advise the Secretaries of State for Health and Education and Science on how the relevant statutory authorities are addressing the provision of health care in inner London, working within the framework of the reformed NHS, including the balance between acute and primary health services; and the organisation and provision of undergraduate medical teaching, postgraduate medical education and research and development; taking account of:
- the health needs of London's resident and day-time population;
- the emerging purchasing plans of health authorities and their likely impact on inner London hospitals;
- future developments in the provision of acute and primary care; and
390 - the need to maintain high quality patient care and, as a foundation for this, high standards of medical teaching and research and development."
I understand that Sir Bernard and members of his expert team have already held useful discussions with members of the King's Fund Commission studying health services in London, with a view to future co-operation.