HC Deb 19 January 2000 vol 342 cc490-1W
Mr. Hancock

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of(a) the value for money provided by Ministry of Defence hospital units and (b) their ability to meet future demands. [104416]

Mr. Spellar

A detailed study of the size and shape of the future operational requirements for medical support was carried out in 1995. This study endorsed the strategy of greater integration with the NHS mainly through the creation of Ministry of Defence Hospital Units. This integration has been shown to be more effective than previous arrangements, particularly in ensuring military medical staff receive the required training. A recent further review has endorsed the continuation of this policy to meet current and future demands for the delivery of secondary care.