Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Topical Questions

Tuesday 11 July 2023 · 23 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 6 Partly answered 16 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Flick Drummond asked about a new hospital between Winchester and Basingstoke and the Minister offered to meet local MPs.
  • Wes Streeting asked about the Health Secretary's inability to negotiate an end to NHS strikes due to budget constraints.
  • Kirsten Oswald inquired about Scotland's universal free school meals for primary pupils and mentioned concerns about poor nutrition affecting children's health.
  • Mike Kane questioned why mental health patients wait too long in A&E for treatment, to which the response included 2.3 billion investment in mental health.
  • Steven Bonnar raised the issue of food insecurity with one in seven people facing hunger last year, and the Minister responded by mentioning cost of living support worth 3,300 per household.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Flick Drummond Con
NHS
Context

The announcement of a new hospital between Winchester and Basingstoke has been welcomed by constituents who will use it, along with those from other constituencies. The hospital is aimed at providing better medical outcomes through a centre of excellence.

Question

The announcement that a new hospital between Winchester and Basingstoke is going ahead is much welcomed by my constituents who will use it, as well as by those from other constituencies. It will provide a centre of excellence with better medical outcomes. Will my right hon. Friend meet local MPs, so we can update him on why the hospital needs to be built as soon as possible?

Answer from Steve Barclay

I am always very happy for my hon. Friend and other colleagues to meet me or Lord Markham, who leads the capital programme.

Answered
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Q2 Wes Streeting Lab Ilford North
NHS
Context

The announcement of a higher NHS pay rise by the Health Secretary has been met with resistance from the Chancellor, who insisted that any increased offer will have to be offset by cuts.

Question

Last week, the Health Secretary said that he was willing to offer doctors a higher pay rise. Last night, the Chancellor slapped him down, saying that any increased offer will have to be paid for by cuts. How can the Health Secretary negotiate an end to the NHS strikes when he cannot even negotiate with his own Chancellor?

Answer from Steve Barclay

We have been clear throughout that Government decisions on the pay review bodies' recommendations are taken on a cross-Government basis. The agreement that we reached with the largest group of NHS staff, those on “Agenda for Change”, has demonstrated that we are willing to work constructively with trade union colleagues.

Answered
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Q3 Wes Streeting Lab Ilford North
NHS
Context

The ongoing NHS strikes are the worst in its history, with junior doctors and consultants set to join. The Health Secretary has not stopped these strikes for seven months.

Question

But the worst strikes in the history of the NHS are still to come. The impact of the junior doctors' strikes and the consultants' strikes will be devastating for patients. The Secretary of State has failed to stop these strikes for seven months. He has lost the confidence of nurses, radiologists, junior doctors and consultants, and he cannot even successfully negotiate with his Chancellor, so what is his plan to stop these strikes going ahead?

Answer from Steve Barclay

The hon. Gentleman's message is not even consistent with what he said at the weekend in the media: that he was not in a position to offer more money to the NHS, and that the shadow Chancellor had made that clear—in a vain attempt to demonstrate some sort of fiscal responsibility.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific plan to stop strikes

How: Changed Subject

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Q4 David Johnston
NHS
Context

A recent survey indicated that constituents felt a lack of doctors relative to population size. The MP has been campaigning for more services since being elected.

Question

I have campaigned for more health services for my constituents since I was elected, and 97% of those who responded to my recent health services survey felt that we did not have enough doctors for the number of people in the constituency. Will my hon. Friend meet me to discuss how to sort this out and get my constituents the health services that they deserve?

Answer from Neil O'Brien

We are conscious that more is going on in general practice than ever before. There are 10% more appointments than before the pandemic, as well as 29,000 extra clinicians and nearly 2,000 more doctors.

Answered
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Q5 Kirsten Oswald SNP
NHS Education
Context

In Scotland, the SNP Government have rolled out universal free school meals for pupils from primary years 1 to 5 and special schools. There is concern about rising health issues among children due to poor nutrition.

Question

I am sure that the Secretary of State shares my concern that school nurses report increasing rates of children presenting with health issues resulting from poor nutrition. In Scotland, the SNP Government have rolled out universal free school meals for all pupils in primary years 1 to 5 and special schools, and the expansion of the programme continues. What discussion has the Secretary of State had with Cabinet colleagues about following Scotland's lead and expanding free school meal provision in England to improve children's health and wellbeing?

Answer from Steve Barclay

Of course we have regular discussions, not just with Cabinet colleagues, but with our counterparts across the UK. I had a meeting just yesterday with Health Ministers, including my counterpart in Scotland, on the shared challenges.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific plans to expand free school meal provision

How: Changed Subject

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Q6 Julian Sturdy Con
NHS
Context

Bupa's decision to close a dental clinic in York, affecting constituents.

Question

The Minister is aware of Bupa's closure decision. I thank him for working with me. What action will be taken to reassess outdated dental contracts and meet increased demand?

Answer from Steve Barclay

The Under-Secretary of State met my hon. Friend recently in Humber and North Yorkshire, where there has been an increase in the number of children seen by NHS dentists over the previous 12 months. We have made reforms to the dental contract and will announce further plans shortly.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about reassessing outdated contracts was not directly addressed.

How: We Are Taking Action

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Q7 Mike Kane Lab Wythenshawe and Sale East
NHS
Context

Mental health patients waited over 5.4 million hours for treatment in A&E last year; a constituent spent five days there.

Question

The Government's investment is welcome but mental health patients are still waiting too long in A&E for treatment. When will this end?

Answer from Steve Barclay

We have invested £2.3 billion more compared with four years ago, including 100 mental health ambulances and crisis cafés to support emergency departments.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about ending long waits was not directly addressed.

How: We Are Taking Significant Action

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Q8 Matt Vickers Con Stockton West
NHS
Context

The Government awarded Stockton a £25 million diagnostic hub, but local Labour council delays are concerning.

Question

I am delighted with the new diagnostic hub award. However, my local Labour council's delays could cost lives. Will the Minister work with me to ensure all partners understand the urgency?

Answer from Will Quince

My hon. Friend campaigned hard for Stockton CDC, and I urge Stockton council to meet the ambitious timeline and get it open as soon as possible.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about working with him was not directly addressed.

How: Delivery Plans Have To Be Agreed At A Local Level

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Q9 Steven Bonnar
Benefits & Welfare Mental Health
Context

A Trussell Trust report warns about food insecurity leading to debt, poor physical and mental health.

Question

The report shows one in seven people faced hunger last year. Will the Minister make representations to his colleagues at DWP for increased support for low-income households?

Answer from Neil O'Brien

We have provided cost of living support worth £3,300 on average per household and are paying half of people's electricity bills.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about representing to DWP was not directly addressed.

How: We Always Look At Further Things

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Q10 Andrew Lewer Con
NHS
Context

A report predicts a significant rise in cases of kidney failure within 10 years.

Question

What steps is the Department taking to prevent chronic kidney disease?

Answer from Helen Whately

In the last three years, NIFHC has invested over £30 million in kidney disease research. NHS England follows a national approach to reduce healthcare inequalities.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about steps being taken was not directly addressed.

How: Nhs England Is Following

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Q11 Marsha de Cordova Lab Battersea
NHS Mental Health
Context

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidance does not include psychological support in the eye care pathway.

Question

Four in 10 people visiting low vision clinics have been diagnosed with clinical depression. Will the Secretary of State commit to reviewing NICE guidance?

Answer from Steve Barclay

The hon. Lady raises an important issue; I would be keen to take it away and look at it to see how we can work together.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about reviewing NICE guidance was not directly addressed.

How: I Would Be Keen To Take It Away

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Q12 Jason McCartney Con
NHS
Context

Many constituents struggle to get NHS dental appointments.

Question

What specific actions are being taken now—this week, this month—to increase the availability of NHS dental appointments?

Answer from Neil O'Brien

NHS dentistry has gone up by a fifth over the last year. We will increase training places for dentists by 40%. Further steps will be in our forthcoming dental plan.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about immediate actions was not directly addressed.

How: We Are Taking Further Steps

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Q13 Debbie Abrahams Lab Oldham East and Saddleworth
NHS Benefits & Welfare Children & Families
Context

Life expectancy is shorter than in 2010, with children being about 7 cm shorter compared to children in Holland.

Question

What actions are the Secretary of State taking on this issue and will he support an assessment of health impacts?

Answer from Neil O'Brien

We are spending £150 million on healthy food schemes, including school fruit and vegetable scheme, nursery milk scheme, Healthy Start, school sport and youth investment fund.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about supporting an assessment was not directly addressed.

How: We Will Continue To Take Action

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Q14 Jonathan Lord Con
NHS
Context

A new diagnostic centre is being built at Woking Community Hospital, expected to improve health outcomes and reduce NHS waiting lists.

Question

I am delighted that a new diagnostic centre is shortly to be built at our terrific Woking Community Hospital. Does the Minister agree that providing state-of-the-art diagnostic care can cut NHS waiting lists, reduce carbon emissions and help optimise health outcomes for patients?

Answer from Steve Barclay

Not only do I agree, but I have been with my hon. Friend to see this scheme at first hand and helped secure investment for his constituents.

Answered
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Q15 Tim Farron Lib Dem Westmorland and Lonsdale
NHS
Context

Plans to remove overnight primary care clinicians from Westmorland General Hospital are causing concern due to potential delays in access to healthcare.

Question

Will the Secretary of State instruct the ICB to intervene and protect people in South Lakeland from a reduction in quality and accessibility of services?

Answer from Steve Barclay

Some of us remember when the Lib Dems were for greater localism. We are looking at how to empower commissioners on a place-based basis and move more services into the community upstream, addressing the frail elderly before they get to hospital.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Instructing ICB to intervene

How: Empowering Commissioners, Moving Services Into The Community

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Q16 Greg Clark Con
NHS
Context

Several important pharmacies in Greg Clark's constituency are experiencing high pressure, with long queues of customers waiting for services.

Question

Will the Secretary of State comment on the situation regarding pharmacy pressures and what steps might be taken to alleviate them?

Answer from Steve Barclay

There are measures in the primary care recovery plan, including better use of skills mix within pharmacies, deregulating some tasks, and funding additional services through Pharmacy First.

Answered
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Q17 Rachael Maskell Labour (Co-op) York Central
NHS Environment
Context

The number of deaths increased by 13.5% in December 2022, particularly around influenza and pneumonia.

Question

What are the Government's plans regarding winter planning to address the increase in deaths and improve public health?

Answer from Steve Barclay

We set out comprehensive plans for winter preparation, including making better use of community schemes and technology through virtual wards, and putting additional bed capacity into hospitals.

Answered
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Q18 Steve Brine Con
NHS
Context

The Select Committee will publish a report on NHS dentistry services highlighting the challenges and pressures in the sector.

Question

When and how does the Secretary of State plan to bring forward plans for tying newly qualified dentists into NHS work, alongside a campaign to return dentists who have left?

Answer from Steve Barclay

The tie-in is an important part of the long-term workforce plan, and we are making NHS dentistry more attractive through changes to the previous 2006 contract.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific timeline for tying in newly qualified dentists

How: Long-Term Workforce Plan, Changes To Previous Contract

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Q19 Barbara Keeley Lab
Context

Concerns have been raised about the safety of using physician associates, following a death where such an associate failed to refer a patient to hospital.

Question

Will he look urgently at the details of Emily Chesterton's case and ask himself whether lessons can be learned to avoid other preventable deaths?

Answer from Will Quince

Having responded to her Adjournment debate, I hear her calls and will ensure she gets a full response with answers to all questions raised.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Immediate review of Emily Chesterton's case

How: Full Response With Answers

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Q20 William Wragg Con
Mental Health
Context

The MP is working on a pilot scheme to relieve pressure on child and adolescent mental health services through early support hubs.

Question

I have been busy beavering away, together with the UK Government's mental health ambassador, Dr Alex George, on the early support mental health hubs project. It will relieve pressure on child and adolescent mental health services and save undue distress and money. The pilot scheme is ready to go. Might I suggest that the shared outcomes fund could be the means to press on with the pilot?

Answer from Steve Barclay

Dr Alex George does a lot of fantastic work. I am due to meet him shortly in the coming days, and I look forward to that discussion. My hon. Friend is right to highlight the importance of getting more mental health support into the community, which is exactly what our additional funding is focused on delivering.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific use of shared outcomes fund not addressed

How: Highlighting General Commitment

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Q21 Mike Amesbury Lab
NHS
Context

Pharmacists in the MP's constituency are facing difficulties with medicine supplies.

Question

Eighteen community pharmacists in my constituency are reporting challenges on medicine supplies. What more is the Minister going to do to get a grip of this situation?

Answer from Steve Barclay

We have a long-standing team in the Department focused on medical supplies, which are a continual issue; as a matter of routine business, there are often challenges in that area. If the hon. Gentleman has specific issues he wishes to raise, we would be happy to look at them, but we have a dedicated team in the Department that focuses on that exact point.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific actions not detailed

How: Referencing Existing Support

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Q22 Anna Firth
NHS
Context

The MP has been campaigning for £118 million of capital funding, primarily for Southend University Hospital.

Question

I have been campaigning for £118 million of capital funding, the majority of it for Southend University Hospital, ever since I was elected. I am grateful that he has recently confirmed that the funding is secure. A new business plan is being submitted, including £9 million of enabling funding. Will he look upon that favourably and swiftly?

Answer from Steve Barclay

As my hon. Friend knows, I have already met her to discuss this scheme, and the impediment was the business plan that came forward from the local trust—further work was being done on that. She is right to highlight our capital investment more widely. This Government have committed to investing in the biggest ever hospital building programme, with more than £20 billion.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific business plan support not confirmed

How: General Commitment On Funding

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Q23 Mary Foy Lab City of Durham
NHS Mental Health
Context

The MP is concerned about the impending closure of a mental health hub in County Durham amidst a crisis in mental healthcare.

Question

Is the Minister aware that the NHS North East and North Cumbria mental health and wellbeing hub is due to close this September? With mental health care in crisis in County Durham, that is an insult to the health and social care staff who desperately rely on those services. Will the Minister reverse that decision?

Answer from Steve Barclay

There are two issues here. One is how much investment we are prioritising towards mental health; the other is how local commissioners choose to prioritise services within those communities, and whether we try to run all of those decisions from the centre in Whitehall or embrace the 42 integrated care systems and allow them to make commissioning decisions. The bottom line is that we are spending much more on mental health, with an increase of £2.3 billion compared with the position four years ago.

Not addressed: Closure decision not addressed directly

How: Discussing Investment And Local Commissioning

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