§ Miss McIntoshTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent representations he has received from the victims of Richard Neale; and what plans he has to hold a public inquiry into this case. [149442]
716W
§ Mr. HuttonWe have received several representations recently requesting a public inquiry into the case of Richard Neale. It is clear that there needs to be a full and independent review to examine past events and ensure that all relevant lessons are learned. I anticipate that this would be led by an independent chairman with appropriately qualified and experienced expert panel members. The panel would hear evidence from a wide range of individuals, including Neale's former patients or their relatives.
However, the Chief Medical Officer is not yet in a position to take this further, until the position on police referral and civil litigation is clearer. In the meantime, the matter is being kept under very active review, and appropriate steps to initiate an independent review will be taken as soon as they can be.