§ Tim LoughtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what the policy of his Department is on sending national health service patients for treatment in South Africa; and which health authorities have approached his Department about sending NHS patients for treatment in South Africa. [47455]
§ Mr. HuttonOur policy on commissioning health care outside the European Economic Area remains that such commissioning should only take place where exceptional circumstances apply. No health authorities have approached the Department about sending NHS patients for treatment in South Africa.