Written question asked by Baroness Tonge (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 22 June 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 3 July 2000. It was answered by John Denham (Labour) on Monday, 3 July 2000 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, in the recent NHS consultation process (a) how many leaflets were issued, (b) how many leaflets were returned by 5th June, (c) how the leaflets were distributed and (d) what conclusions he has drawn; and if he will make a statement. - Inc figures. (Holding answer 28 June 2000).

Answer: Dr. Tonge: To ask the Secretary of State for Health in the recent NHS consultation process (a) how many leaflets were issued, (b) how many leaflets were returned by 5 June, (c) how the leaflets were distributed and (d) what conclusions he has drawn; and if he will make a statement. [127901] Mr. Denham: [holding answer 28 June 2000]: Over 12 million leaflets were produced and made available to the public and National Health Service staff through hospitals, general practitioners, surgeries, supermarkets and other retail outlets asking for an outline of the top three things that would make the NHS better. The Department has received 219,943 responses. The top three priorities for the public were more capacity (doctors, nurses and pay), less waiting and doing things differently.

Secondary information