Foundation Hospitals

Part of Oral Answers to Questions — Health – in the House of Commons at 11:30 am on 1 July 2003.

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Photo of John Reid John Reid Secretary of State, Department of Health, Chair, Modernisation of the House of Commons Committee, The Secretary of State for Health, Member, Labour Party National Executive Committee 11:30, 1 July 2003

I will certainly look again at my hon. Friend's request, but as of today, I am satisfied that there is in place sufficient oversight, which balances the need for transparency and accountability to the public sector. For example, the foundation trusts will be overseen, among other bodies, by the Commission for Healthcare Audit and Inspection. Given the 14 days that I have been in my new job, I am not truly versed in the minutiae and every detail of Lord Sharman's advice. Why not? Perhaps it has been laggardly of me not to put that at the top of the pile, but I have been trying to deal with a number of other issues, such as people who are sick. They come at the top of our priorities, but I will certainly look at the issues raised by my hon. Friend.