§ Mr. SkinnerTo ask the Secretary of State for Health in what circumstances the new helpline service may provide information advising callers to use private medicine; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. SackvilleThe regional health information service, which was launched on 26 January 1993, has proved very popular with the public.
The service deals with each request for information on an individual basis and it was set up to provide information rather than advice.
When a member of the public calls the service and makes a specific request for information related to private medicine, he will be directed to the appropriate source of further information.