§ Lord Ashley of Stokeasked Her Majesty's Government:
How many ENT consultants have trained at the Royal National Throat, Nose and Ear Hospital in the last 20 years, and what percentage is this of all ENT consultants working in Britain today; and
Whether they have assessed the need for London University's Institute of Laryngology and Otology to have access to the surgical expertise and clinical 56WA experience provided by the Royal National Throat, Nose and Ear Hospital if the institute is to maintain its teaching and research strength; and
What representations have been made by overseas doctors regarding the possible closure of the Royal National Throat, Nose and Ear Hospital; and what percentage favoured such a closure; and
What medical and surgical developments in the ear, nose and throat specialties have been pioneered by the Royal National Throat, Nose and Ear Hospital in the last 20 years; and
How many ENT training and educational courses that benefit the health service are provided annually by the Royal National Throat, Nose and Ear Hospital; and
Over the last five years, from which hospital has emerged the greatest number of publications relating to the ear, nose and throat specialties.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Baroness Cumberlege)The Royal National Throat, Nose and Ear Hospital provides an excellent service for its patients. The National Health Service will continue to provide the best service to patients as well as encouraging the highest standards in medical research and developments. As the noble Lord is aware, Her Majesty's Government is to announce its response to the Tomlinson Report shortly. The detailed information requested by the noble Lord is not held centrally but if he wishes he could write to Mr K Gardner, Chairman of the Royal National Throat, Nose and Ear Hospital NHS Trust for details.