HC Deb 18 March 1997 vol 292 cc591-2W
Mr. Duncan Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for Health when the results of the pilot study for an alternative to litigation for clinical negligence will be available. [20837]

Mr. Horam

The mediation pilot scheme is expected to run until the end of this year. An evaluation of the project should be completed early in 1998. Ministers will then consider, in the light of the evaluation, whether further action is needed to encourage mediation as a possible alternative to litigation in resolving cases of alleged clinical negligence.