Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Topical Questions

Tuesday 5 March 2024 · 26 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 5 Partly answered 15 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government introduced baby loss certificates, leading to over 37,000 requests since announcement.
  • NHS dental activity increased by 15% compared to the previous year in Weston-super-Mare's local integrated care board area.
  • MPs discussed concerns over NHS funding, dental contract resolutions, and pharmacy service expansions.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 John Penrose Con
NHS
Context

The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care was asked about her departmental responsibilities, including initiatives such as baby loss certificates.

Question

If she will make a statement on her departmental responsibilities. The MP inquired specifically about the Government's initiative to introduce baby loss certificates, which aims to provide formal recognition to families who have lost a child and has resulted in over 37,000 requests since its announcement two weeks ago.

Answer from Victoria Atkins

I am committed to making our NHS faster, simpler and fairer for all, including families. The Government have introduced baby loss certificates, which allow families to receive formal recognition when they lose a child. Over 37,000 certificates have been requested since the announcement two weeks ago.

Answered
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Q2 John Penrose Con
NHS
Context

The MP welcomed the NHS dentistry recovery plan launched last month.

Question

How many new NHS dental appointments does the Secretary of State expect to be available in my constituency of Weston-super-Mare, and by when? The MP noted that he supported the dental recovery plan and wants an estimate for his local integrated care board area.

Answer from Victoria Atkins

Dental activity has increased by 15% compared to the previous year in his local integrated care board area. Our plan will support further increases through some 2.5 million additional appointments across the country, including in Weston-super-Mare.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not provide specific figures for Weston-super-Mare constituency.

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Q3 Wes Streeting Lab Ilford North
NHS Taxation Democracy & Elections
Context

There was cross-party support for initiatives such as baby loss certificates, but the MP questioned how embarrassed the Secretary of State would be if the Chancellor adopted Labour's policy to abolish non-dom tax status.

Question

With a general election in the air and given the Secretary of State's principled opposition to funding the NHS by abolishing non-dom tax status, on a scale of one to 10—one being utterly shameless and 10 being highly embarrassed—how red-faced will she be when the Chancellor adopts Labour's policy tomorrow? The MP welcomed the statement but asked about the Secretary of State's stance.

Answer from Victoria Atkins

One of the joys of being at the Government Dispatch Box is that we get to have a knockabout on the Labour party's electioneering. The hon. Gentleman will know the Conservatives' proud record on funding our NHS since 2010.

Not addressed: The answer changed the subject and did not address the specific commitment asked.

How: Knockabout On The Labour Party'S Electioneering

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Q4 Wes Streeting Lab Ilford North
NHS Wales
Context

The MP highlighted criticisms from a Minister regarding the efficacy of Labour's policy and asked for clarification on how those criticisms would affect the Under-Secretary of State's position in her constituency election.

Question

As she speeds down the A23 back to Lewes, to defend her constituency against the Liberal Democrats, how on earth will she feel with all those embers of the Conservatives' 14-year record blowing in her face? The MP referenced criticisms from a Minister and asked about their impact.

Answer from Victoria Atkins

People are almost twice as likely to be waiting for treatment under the Labour-run Welsh NHS, compared with 12.8% in England. Patients in Wales are, on average, waiting five weeks longer for NHS treatment than patients in England, and the number of patients escaping to seek treatment in England has increased by 40%.

Not addressed: The answer did not address how criticisms would affect the Under-Secretary's position but discussed general NHS performance differences between Wales and England.

How: Comparison Of Nhs Services In Wales Versus England

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Q5 Andrew Jones Con
NHS
Context

The MP was discussing with his local integrated care board about establishing the first centre of dental excellence in North Yorkshire.

Question

Does my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State agree that boosting capacity is critical to catching up from the pandemic, and that centres of dental excellence are a very good way to achieve it? The MP was talking with his local integrated care board about establishing a centre of dental excellence in North Yorkshire.

Answer from Andrea Leadsom

I completely agree with my hon. Friend that we need more capacity in our dental workforce, and I know he will be a big advocate for his constituency. We set out in the first ever NHS long-term workforce plan to increase dentistry training places by 40% by 2031-32.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not provide specifics on establishing centres of dental excellence but acknowledged the need for capacity increases and referenced a workforce plan.

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Q6 Amy Callaghan
NHS
Context

The MP survived melanoma twice, highlighting her concern about cancer prevention and treatment.

Question

I am concerned about my personal experience with surviving melanoma twice. Can the Secretary of State guarantee that all possible measures are being taken to prevent others from getting a similar diagnosis?

Answer from Victoria Atkins

We are improving cancer treatment, with survival rates increasing by nearly 10 percentage points since 2005. We are also bringing forward smoke-free generation work and stand ready to help with waiting lists.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Secretary of State did not provide a direct guarantee that she is doing everything possible to prevent cancer diagnoses, despite the questioner's specific request.

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Q7 Andrew Selous Con
NHS
Context

The MP mentions appreciation for projects supported by the General Practice Estates and Technology Transformation Fund in his constituency.

Question

What evaluation has been made of the General Practice Estates and Technology Transformation Fund, and will it be continued?

Answer from Andrea Leadsom

ICBs have the freedom to increase capital for primary care in their region. I am happy to meet again to talk about measures to support his constituents.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not provide specific evaluation details or a clear confirmation of continuation, despite being asked directly.

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Q8 Rachael Maskell Labour (Co-op) York Central
NHS
Context

The MP held a dental summit which was met with disappointment and frustration due to lack of funding, flexibility or resolution.

Question

I held my first dental summit since the Government's dental recovery plan. It was met with disappointment and frustration over lack of funding, flexibility or contract resolution. Will the Minister set out the timetable for resolving the dental contract?

Answer from Andrea Leadsom

We are delivering 2.5 million more appointments through the new patient premium and other measures such as golden hellos, mobile dental vans, and Smile4life.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not provide a specific timeline for resolving the dental contract, despite being asked directly.

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Q9 Nigel Mills Con
NHS
Context

The MP mentions confusion among pharmacists about the application of ear infection services to under-18s.

Question

Pharmacy First is popular in Amber Valley, but some pharmacists report confusion because the service applies only to under 18s. Will the Minister extend the service to over-18s or ensure clear NHS communications?

Answer from Andrea Leadsom

The area is under review, and I am happy to write to him addressing his point about over-18s and children.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not provide a clear commitment or timeline for resolving the confusion regarding age restrictions, despite being asked directly.

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Q10 Nia Griffith Lab Llanelli
Care & Healthcare Workers
Context

The MP agrees on recruiting home-grown carers but raises concerns about reliance on foreign workers being deprived of family life.

Question

I agree we should redouble efforts to recruit and retain more home-grown carers, but in the short term, we rely on foreign workers. Will she think again about dropping this totally inhumane ban?

Answer from Helen Whately

Every care worker who comes to the UK has a choice, and we are grateful for their contributions. We need to balance international recruitment with our home-grown workforce.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not address the specific request to reconsider her position on treating international workers' families more humanely.

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Q11 Vicky Ford Con
NHS
Context

The MP mentions the new medical school in Chelmsford and its importance to training NHS staff.

Question

I thank the Health Minister for visiting a new medical school in Chelmsford, marking the first time Essex has trained doctors. What progress is being made to increase work placements for students?

Answer from Andrew Stephenson

We are working closely with NHS England and partners in health and education to ensure clinical placements, paying tribute to the MP's efforts.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not provide a specific update on progress towards increasing work placements for students, despite being asked directly.

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Q12 Alan Brown SNP
NHS Brexit
Context

The MP mentions medicine shortages doubling in the last two years due to post-Brexit regulatory changes and currency issues.

Question

Medicine shortages have doubled in two years. How is the Government addressing this, particularly regarding post-Brexit regulations?

Answer from Andrew Stephenson

The Department has no evidence linking EU exit to sustained medicine shortages. Shortages occur for various reasons and affect many countries.

Not addressed: The Minister did not address the specific question about measures addressing Brexit-related shortages, instead generally denying a link between EU exit and medicine shortages.

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Q13 George Freeman Con Mid Norfolk
NHS Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Rural Norfolk faces a dental crisis with many children at risk of lacking dental care. NHS Norfolk and Waveney ICB announced a £17 million underspend on dentistry.

Question

I am concerned about the dental crisis in Rural Norfolk where there is a generation of children without access to dental care despite welcoming the dental recovery plan. Given that it will take four or five years for more dentists and NHS Norfolk and Waveney ICB announced an £17 million underspend on dentistry, can we meet to work out how to get more funding now?

Answer from Victoria Atkins

We have tackled access to dental care by encouraging dentists to use their NHS contracts fully through the new patient premium and a higher rate paid for units of dental activity. We are rolling out a plan promising 2.5 million appointments, unlike Labour's plan which promises only 700,000.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific meeting request to address immediate funding issues in Norfolk was not directly addressed

How: Claimed Credit For Their Plan Over Labour

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Q14 Rachel Hopkins Lab Luton South and South Bedfordshire
Education Mental Health
Context

There is an urgent need to address mental ill health among children and young people. Labour proposes setting up mental health hubs in every community funded by VAT on private school fees.

Question

It is vital that we tackle the issue of mental illness in children and young people. We propose establishing mental health support teams in all schools, as well as open-access mental health hubs paid for with VAT from private education fees. Why does the Government not adopt this approach?

Answer from Maria Caulfield

We are already rolling out mental health support teams, and 44% of pupils now have access with it rising to 50%. Over 13,800 schools and colleges have a trained senior mental health lead. We also announced early support hubs for young people who can drop in without referrals.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Adopting Labour's plan was not addressed directly

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Q15 Priti Patel Con Witham
NHS
Context

St Peter's Hospital in Maldon faces community health service removal by the Mid and South Essex ICB, causing concern.

Question

The Mid and South Essex integrated care board is planning to remove vital community health services from St Peter's Hospital. Will you meet me and my hon. Friend Sir John Whittingdale to discuss these proposals?

Answer from Helen Whately

I would be very happy to meet my right hon. Friends to discuss those concerns.

Answered

Not addressed: null

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Q16 Christine Jardine Lib Dem Edinburgh West
NHS
Context

There is concern about the state of NHS in Scotland, especially GP availability.

Question

I thank my right hon. Friend for her offer to help cut waiting lists in Scotland where we suffer from low GP appointments and disappearing slots. When will we see improvements?

Answer from Andrea Leadsom

In England, there are 50 million more GP appointments now every year due to our achievements. She should look at what is happening in Scotland with poor health outcomes and challenge SNP Ministers over issues like drug and alcohol death rates.

Not addressed: Improvement timeline for appointment availability was not addressed

How: Changed Subject To Scottish Nhs Issues

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Q17 Jacob Rees-Mogg Con
NHS
Context

There is an anomaly in the “Agenda for Change” pay deal affecting non-NHS providers, rewarding poorly run organisations and penalising well-run ones.

Question

Will my right hon. Friend explain this anomaly in the 'Agenda for Change' pay deal as it affects non-NHS providers? People working in NHS but not employed by NHS may receive extra money if their organisation is financially troubled, but not if it isn't. This seems perverse.

Answer from Andrew Stephenson

I am happy to meet my right hon. Friend to discuss the matter further and support non-NHS providers whose contracts are dynamically aligned with NHS goals.

Answered

Not addressed: null

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Q18 Florence Eshalomi Labour (Co-op) Vauxhall and Camberwell Green
NHS
Context

Evelina London Children's Hospital is one of the few specialist centers in South London, facing a decision about its primary children's centre.

Question

The Secretary of State knows that NHS England expects to announce decisions about the primary children's centre for cancer treatment in south London. Will she agree to make this final decision as soon as possible and join me at Evelina London?

Answer from Victoria Atkins

I thank her for her question, but must leave it to NHS England to finish its consultation process. I would be very happy to visit not just the Evelina, but our other wonderful hospitals that care for children.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific decision timeline was not provided

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Q19 Maggie Throup Con
NHS
Context

Community pharmacies, like the one in Sandiacre due to close soon, play a crucial role with services like Pharmacy First.

Question

With the expansion of health services through Pharmacy First, what action is my right hon. Friend taking to ensure that communities such as Sandiacre, whose branch of Boots is closing at the end of this month, will not lose access to vital pharmacy services?

Answer from Andrea Leadsom

I am happy to discuss the matter with my hon. Friend who is a huge advocate for her constituency. Pharmacy First expanded the value and contribution of all community pharmacies, with an investment of £645 million over this year and next.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific action on Sandiacre branch closure was not addressed

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Q20 Gregory Campbell DUP East Londonderry
NHS Northern Ireland
Context

Rural communities may lose out due to their isolated locations, affecting access to primary care services.

Question

On access to primary care provision, will the Secretary of State assure the House that she will liaise with Health Ministers in the devolved Departments to ensure that rural communities do not lose out because of their isolated locations?

Answer from Victoria Atkins

I am very happy to give this assurance. I met Minister Swann yesterday to discuss his plans for Northern Ireland healthcare, including access to primary care.

Answered

Not addressed: null

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Q21 Paul Bristow
NHS
Context

Concerns about the delays in approvals by MHRA and NICE.

Question

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency's international recognition procedure will ensure faster access to innovative treatments, but it will realise its full potential only if it is matched by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence's evaluation process. What is my right hon. Friend the Minister doing to ensure that the two processes are aligned?

Answer from Andrew Stephenson

My hon. Friend will be aware that there have been delays with approvals by the MHRA and NICE. We are keen to ensure that those delays are reduced, and I am delighted to tell the House that significant progress has been made in both organisations. I am happy to work with my hon. Friend and both organisations to ensure that progress continues to be made.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific measures for alignment between MHRA and NICE processes.

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Q22 Sarah Dyke Lib Dem Glastonbury and Somerton
NHS
Context

Figures obtained by the British Dental Association project that £8 million of the NHS budget in Somerset is going unspent.

Question

Figures obtained by the British Dental Association project that £8 million of the NHS budget in Somerset is going unspent. Will the Minister explain to my constituent, who is suffering in dental agony, why that is happening?

Answer from Andrea Leadsom

I encourage the hon. Lady to hold her integrated care board to account. We invest more than £3 billion a year in dentistry, and our dental recovery plan means that significant money is available for NHS dentistry. It is for the integrated care board to commission those units of dental activity, which now offer more money—a minimum of £28 per UDA. I am happy to meet the hon. Lady if she finds she is not getting anywhere with her ICB.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address why £8 million is unspent in Somerset specifically.

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Q23 Anna Firth
NHS
Context

Premises and dentists have been lined up for a new NHS dental practice, but the ICB needs to commission the service.

Question

I am currently working with a brilliant local pharmacist, Fizz, to open a new NHS dental practice in Belfairs in my constituency. Premises and dentists have been lined up, but we need the ICB to commission the service. Will the Minister meet me, my local ICB and Fizz to unlock that vital service as soon as possible?

Answer from Andrea Leadsom

I am delighted to hear about that really good news for my hon. Friend's constituents—I know she works tirelessly for them. Of course, I will be very happy to meet her.

Not addressed: Did not commit to meeting the local pharmacist or ICB.

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Q24 Richard Foord Lib Dem Honiton and Sidmouth
NHS
Context

Wendy Hart had a high white blood cell count when she was discharged from the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, leading to her death due to sepsis.

Question

Wendy Hart had a high white blood cell count when she was discharged from the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital. Her husband, Terence, described a dreadful, pointless 60-mile round trip home and back to hospital before Wendy died of sepsis. Will the Minister consider distances between acute hospitals and rural communities when reviewing hospital discharge guidance?

Answer from Helen Whately

I am very sorry to hear about what happened to the hon. Gentleman's constituent. I send my condolences to her family and loved ones. Clearly, it is very important that discharge decisions are led by clinicians, who can make a clinical decision about whether somebody is medically ready to be discharged. I have no doubt that the family may well take up that decision with local NHS organisations.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to reviewing guidance based on distance from hospitals.

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Q25 Will Quince Con
NHS
Context

No doctor wants to be on strike, so the new deal shows that being reasonable and pragmatic can deliver for members.

Question

No doctor wants to be on strike, so I welcome the new deal with the consultant unions. It shows that by being reasonable, pragmatic and acting in good faith, unions can deliver for their members. Does my right hon. Friend agree?

Answer from Victoria Atkins

My hon. Friend knows only too well the importance of industrial action and the impact it can have on patients and on the NHS as a whole. I am pleased that the BMA has announced today, following the previous settlement that was narrowly rejected in its ballot, that it has been able to get back around the table with my officials and me. We have been able to find a fair and reasonable settlement that the BMA will advocate for and recommend to its members. We hope that that shows those who are choosing to strike that constructive negotiations, and trying to sort out some of the concerns that we know clinicians have, can be dealt with in a reasonable manner, which is of benefit not just to staff, but to patients.

Answered
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Q26 Chris Bryant Lab Rhondda and Ogmore
NHS
Context

No background provided, direct ask for statistics.

Question

How many people were treated for acquired brain injury last year?

Answer from Andrew Stephenson

The hon. Gentleman has caught me off guard—I will write to him. I am keen to continue working with him on that issue. As he knows, we have already shared draft details of the acquired brain injury strategy with him and members of the all-party parliamentary group, and I am very keen to continue working collaboratively on that issue with him.

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