§ Mr. WigginTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he will publish the draft NHS (Wales) Bill. [12679]
§ Mr. TouhigThe Queen's Speech at the beginning of this parliamentary Session confirmed that the Government intended to draft legislation to reform the provision of health services in Wales. The Government's intention is still to publish a Welsh Bill in draft during this parliamentary Session. My right hon. Friend and I have had close discussions with the National Assembly for Wales Minister for Health and Social Services and with our colleagues in Government on the contents of the draft NHS (Wales) Bill. My officials and Assembly officials are also making good progress on the detail of the Bill.