Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Paul Burstow and Lord Evans of Rainow

Tuesday 10th January 2012 Commons Chamber

[Paul Burstow]

As far as I am aware, no assessment has been made to analyse the number of unpaid interns. What is very clear, however, is that when NHS organisations are using people to provide services as volunteers, that is clearly separate from what would be regarded as paid employment. That is clear in the strategy we set out last year and clear in the advice and guidance provided by the Cabinet Office as well.

[Graham Evans (Weaver Vale) (Con)]

2. What recent representations he has received on access by NHS patients to drugs invented and developed in UK laboratories; and if he will make a statement.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Paul Burstow and Lord Evans of Rainow

Tuesday 25th January 2011 Commons Chamber

[Paul Burstow]

Just last year the national clinical director published a report on the extent and causes of international variations in drug usage, which revealed that the UK tends to lag behind other countries in its use of newer cancer drugs. That is one reason why we have introduced the interim cancer drugs fund of £50 million in this current year and will introduce the full fund of £200 million from this April. That will help my hon. Friend’s constituent.

[Graham Evans]

What steps is my hon. Friend taking to ensure that all GP consortia will have access to the expertise they need to commission cancer services effectively?

[Paul Burstow]

The national cancer director will work with pathfinder GP consortia on commissioning cancer services, and that work will be fed into a cancer commissioning support pack that will be developed to support GP commissioners in discharging their functions effectively. Cancer networks will also be well placed to support GP consortia in that activity.