HC Deb 19 October 1992 vol 212 c71W
Mr. Redmond

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress her Department is making in respect of extra-contractual referrals being made more readily available for patients requesting them; and if she will make a statement.

Mr. Sackville

We have always made clear that general practitioners are free to refer their patients to whichever hospital or other unit best meets the needs of the patient. We remain committed to this principle.

Mr. Blunkett

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of extra-contractual referrals were refused in each regional health authority in 1991–92.

Mr. Sackville

This information is not collected centrally.

Mr. Redmond

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will list by regional health authority how many extra-contractual referrals were returned during the financial years(a) 1991–92 and (b) 1992–93 to date.

Mr. Sackville

This information is not collected centrally.