HC Deb 15 February 1999 vol 325 c561W
Mr. Wigley

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will instruct NHS hospitals in Wales to restrict the numbers of non-urgent treatments of private patients. [70049]

Mr. Jon Owen Jones

NHS trusts already have considerable autonomy to determine the scope of any private practice. The proportion of patients treated privately in NHS hospitals in Wales is very low, approximately 0.5 per cent. of all NHS treatment.

Following the transfer of powers, this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly.