§ Lord Ashbourneasked Her Majesty's Government:
Why an independent medical opinion on Patient "S" was not obtained, despite the judgment on Airedale NHS Trust v. Anthony Bland.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Baroness Cumberlege)An independent medical opinion on Patient "S" was presented to the courts. This was obtained from Dr. Christina Williams of the Royal Hospital and Home for Rehabilitation and Severe Disability, Putney.
§ Lord Ashbourneasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether, on evidence before the court, Patient "S" was insensate when it was decided that assisted nutrition need riot be reinstated.
§ Baroness CumberlegeIt would be inappropriate for my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Health to comment on the medical condition of individual patients.