National Health Service Bill

Margaret Ferrier Excerpts

Friday 11th March 2016 Commons Chamber

[Caroline Lucas]

If the hon. Gentleman does not mind, I will not, simply because I want to make a bit more progress and many Opposition Members have waited a long time to speak in this debate.

The purchaser-provider split has allowed NHS privatisation in England to increase dramatically since the 2012 Act. The most recent official figures show that the NHS paid £6.6 billion to private healthcare firms in 2013-14. Some have suggested that that figure has now increased to as much £10 billion.

[Margaret Ferrier (Rutherglen and Hamilton West) (SNP)]

The Bristol clinical commissioning group, which issues contracts for local NHS services, is in the process of striking out rules that prevent tax-avoiding private companies from securing NHS contracts, for fear of litigation. Does the hon. Lady share my worry that the only health concern for some private contractors is ensuring that they get healthy profits?

[Caroline Lucas]

I agree with the hon. Lady’s strong and compelling point.