§ Mr. JenkinTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what progress has been made by his Department in exploratory talks with the NHS on the provision of sponsored reserve surgical teams. [25791]
§ Dr. MoonieOfficials from the Ministry of Defence, the Department of Health (DoH) and the National Health Service (NHS) met in November 2001 to discuss the provision of sponsored reserve surgical teams. The meeting was very useful and we are encouraged by the drive and enthusiasm shown by DoH and NHS colleagues. Initial scoping work is currently being undertaken on a pilot project which we expect to be finalised in the course of the current year.