Mr. Ron Brownasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if, in light of a recent award of £95,000 damages to a psychosurgery patient, he will now take steps to remove National Health Service funds from units performing such operations.
§ Mr. Patrick JenkinIn the case referred to, negligence was not proved but judgment was entered against the regional health authority in default of defence: I understand that an inquiry is being set up by South-West Thames regional health authority to review the handling of the case by its legal department. I have no plans to remove National Health Service funds from these surgical units, for the reasons outlined in my hon. Friend's reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Bournemouth, East (Mr. Atkinson) on 3 March—[Vol. 1000, c.80].