§ Mr. Home RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the cost of the video recording concerning the Government's proposals for the National Health Service that is being shown to National Health Service staff in Scotland; whether any bodies or indviduals independent of the Government were given an opportunity to contribute to this public information exercise; how much staff time will be taken up in viewing this material; and if he will provide facilities for alternative comments on the future of the National Health Service to be projected to National Health Service employees.
348W
§ Mr. Michael ForsythAs regards costs, I refer the hon. Member to my reply of today to the hon. Member for Orkney and Shetland (Mr. Wallace). The video recording includes contributions from several people in the Health Service as well as members of the Government. I hope that all those who work in the Scottish Health Service will have the opportunity to see the 15-minute video presentation, which explains the Government's proposals set out in the White Paper "Working for Patients". Since these proposals will affect everyone concerned with the delivery of health care in future, it is in keeping with the best practice of responsible management to ensure that the proposal are clearly explained. That does not apply to the variety of comments that may arise from other sources.