§ Mr. RogersTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, pursuant to his answer of 12 April 2000,Official Report, column 153W, on coal miners' compensation, if he will name hospitals that have not been prepared to release miners' medical records. [120352]
§ Mrs. LiddellFollowing the issuing of guidance by the NHS Executive and the BMA to Hospital Trusts and GPs respectively, I am advised by Healthcall, the company contracted to obtain the medical records, that there are no hospitals that are not prepared to release medical records. However I am aware that it may take time for hospitals to retrieve records, which in some cases date back many years. My Department is monitoring the position very closely and I will have no hesitation in informing Members of any hospitals in their constituencies where we experience difficulties in the future.