Written question asked by Lord Alton of Liverpool (Crossbench), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Earl Howe (Conservative) on Wednesday, 28 March 2012.

Abortion

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Earl Howe on 14 March (WA 63), whether the current statutory requirements for data collection with regard to NHS-commissioned abortions are sufficient to guarantee value for money, in the light of the Written Statement by Earl Howe on 24 November 2011 (WA 79–80).

Answer: The Government are committed to ensuring that a value for money approach is adopted covering all aspects of healthcare provision. In order to carry out abortions under National Health Service contract, independent sector places are subject to local NHS tendering processes and must demonstrate that they are able to provide a quality and cost-effective service, which meets local needs. The department has developed and issued an abortion specification for use by the NHS in support of this process. A copy of Guidance on the Standard NHS Contract for Acute Hospital Services has been placed in the Library.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 16487; 736 c249WA
Session: 2010-12
Related items: Abortion
Wednesday, 14 March 2012
Written questions
House of Lords; Abortion
Thursday, 24 November 2011
Written statements
House of Lords
Subjects: Cost effectiveness Abortion NHS Statistics
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk