§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what steps he is taking to ensure that private patients are not put in for free tests in NHS hospitals in Wales at the expense of delays for NHS patients.
§ Mr. Gwilym JonesThere is nationally agreed guidance on private practice in health service hospitals. This requires local managers and clinicians to ensure there is no conflict between private practice and NHS work and that private patients should not receive services at the expense of NHS patients. I expect all health authorities and national health service trusts to ensure that there is the fullest compliance under this guidance.