§ Mr. LawsTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what research his Department is conducting into different mechanisms for funding the national health service; and if he will make a statement. [9955]
§ Mr. Andrew Smith[holding answer 25 October 2001]: Budget 2001 announced that Derek Wanless, former Group Chief Executive of Natwest bank, would be leading the review commissioned by the Chancellor of the Exchequer to provide a long-term assessment of the technological, demographic and medical trends over the next two decades that will affect the health service.
In the light of these trends, the review will identify the key factors which will determine the financial and other resources required to ensure that the NHS can provide a publicly funded, comprehensive, high-quality service available on the basis of clinical need and not the ability to pay. The review will report to the Chancellor by April 2002.