§ Ms. WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services how many private heart operations requiring intensive care beds at the Birmingham children's hospital were carried out by consultants from the Birmingham children's hospital during the week beginning 14 February; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. CurrieI understand that one heart operation was performed on a private patient at the Birmingham children's hospital last week. There is a long-standing arrangement at the children's hospital whereby any private patients are admitted to the hospital on the basis of clinical need and do not take priority over National Health Service patients.