HC Deb 25 July 2000 vol 354 cc499-500W
Mr. Harvey

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the inquiries his Department has established in each of last two years, indicating for each the form the inquiry was to take, and an estimate of the number of patients it covered. [129022]

Ms Stuart

The inquiries commissioned by the Department in the last two years are as follows. It is not possible to provide a meaningful estimate of the number of patients affected by the matters under inquiry. In most cases that is for the inquiry to establish.

The BSE Inquiry Established in December 1997 to review the history of BSE (Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy) and new variant CJD (Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease) and the action taken in response to it. Independent chair. Hearings held in public.

Review of Thoracic Surgical Services at Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust Established in July 1998 to review the previous investigation undertaken by the trust into its thoracic surgery services. Independent chair. Hearings held in private.

The Bristol Royal Infirmary Inquiry Established in October 1998 to examine issues relating to paediatric cardiac surgery. Independent chair. Hearings held in public.

The Ritchie Inquiry Established in March 1999 to consider the practice of Mr. Rodney Ledward. Independent chair. Hearings held in private.

North Lakeland Healthcare NHS Trust Inquiry Established in May 1999 to investigate allegations of patient abuse. Independent chair. Hearings held in private.

Hammersmith Hospitals NHS Trust. Liver Surgery Unit Established in August 1999 to inquire into allegations relating to gene therapy for patients with liver cancer. Independent chair. Hearings held in private.

Hammersmith Hospitals NHS Trust Department of Imaging Inquiry Established in November 1999 to investigate allegations of victimisation. Independent chair. Hearings held in private.

The Royal Liverpool Children's Inquiry Established in December 1999 to examine circumstances surrounding the removal, retention and disposal of human tissue. Independent chair. Hearings held in private.

The Laming Inquiry Established in March 2000 to review issues arising from the trial of Dr. Shipman. Independent chair. Form of inquiry under review.

The King's Mill Centre for Healthcare Services NHS Trust Inquiry Established in June 2000 to investigate allegations of inappropriate disposal of human organs. Independent chair. Hearings held in private.

Forward to