Oral Answers to Questions

Duncan Hames Excerpts
Tuesday 24th February 2015

(9 years, 2 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Jeremy Hunt Portrait Mr Jeremy Hunt
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I am accountable for what happens in the NHS, so let me tell the hon. Gentleman what is actually happening in Bolton: compared with four years ago, 2,756 more people are being seen at A and E within four hours. That is a record of investment and success.

Duncan Hames Portrait Duncan Hames (Chippenham) (LD)
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What alternatives do clinical commissioning groups have to a full-scale commercial procurement when their existing contracts for community health services approach the time when they have run their course?

Norman Lamb Portrait Norman Lamb
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That is a matter for local commissioners. There is no requirement on them to tender competitively if their judgment is that it is right for the local community that services remain with the existing provider. We have been very clear that that is a matter for local commissioners.