§ Rev. Martin SmythTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received on the setting up of a national council on health care priorities; and if he will make a statement. [38716]
§ Mr. MilburnA range of suggestions to improve priority setting in the National Health Service has been made, including setting up a national council on health care priorities. We have set out our plans for the NHS inThe New NHS White Paper. It sets out measures to improve national consistency while allowing local flexibility to ensure services are responsive to local needs and wishes. We do not see a place for a national council within these arrangements.