HL Deb 30 July 1998 vol 592 c217WA
Baroness Gould of Potternewton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What steps are being taken to reduce the inequality of access to abortion services in England and Wales. [HL2978]

Baroness Hayman

The level of gynaecological provision including abortion, like other provision within the National Health Service, is decided by individual health purchasers.

The White Paper The New NHS outlines a number of steps which the Government will be taking to improve the consistency of service provision throughout the NHS. Health improvement programmes (HIPs) will be drawn up by health authorities in consultation with NHS trusts, primary care groups, primary care professionals, the public and other partner organisations such as local authorities. The HIP will set out the strategic direction on improving health and on delivering better health and social care as well as setting out the framework for action on commissioning services. We will aim for maximum consistency while still allowing appropriate local and individual responsiveness.