Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to his oral contribution of 8 April 2019, Official Report, column 26, how the system of second opinions on the prescribing of medical cannabis oil will be organised; and if he will make a statement.

In line with routine clinical practice, patients wishing to seek a second opinion on the National Health Service will be supported to do so. In the first instance, clinicians should refer patients for a second opinion using their established protocols. If it is not possible to obtain a second or further opinion using established protocols then trusts are instructed to contact their NHS England Regional Medical Director who will be able to offer further advice around a referral route. The NHS England Regional Medical Directors will support trusts in identifying a suitable NHS specialist for a second opinion.