§ Mr. Michael McNair-WilsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what consideration he has given to introducing legislation to grant a discretion to the Health Service Commissioner to investigate complaints involving clinical judgment, if he thinks fit; what is his latest assessment of the factors which(a) favour and (b) do not favour such a proposal; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. CurrieThis issue was thoroughly aired in the House during the passage of the Parliamentary and Health Commissioners Act 1987. The Government concluded at that time that the procedures introduced in 1981, (with the commendation of the Select Committee on the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration) were working reasonably well and did not seek to extend the Health Service Commissioner's power in this respect. No new factors have emerged since that decision was taken.