§ Mrs. RoeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what are his plans for the future of the national health service; and if he will make a statement. [4276]
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§ Mr. DorrellI have today published a White Paper on the way forward for the national health service entitled, "The National Health Service: A Service with Ambitions". Copies will be available in the Vote Office and the Library. It sets out the Government's commitment to a universal, high quality service, available on the basis of clinical need, and one that is responsive to the needs and wishes of patients and carers. It also launches three initiatives designed to improve the use of information in the NHS; to strengthen its commitment to effective management of quality; and to ensure that our policies for education, training and development produce well qualified staff who will meet the needs of a changing NHS.