§ Mr. Jon Owen JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with the Welsh Assembly Government on the need for primary legislation in order to implement the recommendations of the Review of Health and Social Care in Wales advised by Derek Wanless; and which of the four options proposed by the Review to solve the problem of bed-blocking would require primary legislation. [126458]
363W
§ Mr. Touhig[holding answer 17 July 2003]: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave him on 17 July 2003, Official Report, column 447W.
I have regular discussions with the Assembly Minister for Health and Social Services and we have of course covered the Wanless Report and its implications. However, it would be inappropriate to comment on the likely need for primary legislation to solve that issue at this time. The Assembly have yet to publish their detailed response and action plan which is due for publication in November.
§ Mr. Jon Owen JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales whether his Department has had discussions with the Welsh Assembly Government about implementing the four options proposed by the Review of Health Care in Wales to solve the problem of bed-blocking. [126459]
§ Mr. Touhig[holding answer 17 July 2003]: I refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave him on 17 July 2003, Official Report, column 447W.
I have regular meetings with the Assembly Minister for Health, Jane Hutt AM, during which she updates me on health policy initiatives launched by her administration.
I am aware that the Assembly will be publishing a detailed response and action plan in the autumn and it is therefore premature to comment on implementing the recommendations of the report before then. I will of course keep the matter under review.