§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps will be taken in the National Health Service White Paper to safeguard the linguistic rights of Welsh-speaking patients.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyWe have no plans to take any additional steps to safeguard the linguistic rights of Welsh-speaking patients in England. Nor are we introducing any changes that would adversely effect any existing safeguards. The question of appropriate measures for such patients in Wales is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.