---

Independent Sector Treatment Centres

In the summer—presumably he means summer 2007. I hope that he is right; that weakness among all sides in arguing the case about ISTCs needs to be put right. Our report concluded:"““The Department should have ensured that such data””—" that is, clinical data—"““were collected from both providers””—" that is, independent and NHS providers—"““and published in order accurately to assess quality of care, complication rates and other quality measures.””" Let us hope that that happens. I also hope that the National Audit Office will consider the ISTC programme again. ISTCs may be making and may continue to make a valuable and considerable contribution to efficiency, innovation and choice in the health economy. However, the case cannot be made by default; we look to the Government to make their case actively, improve the programme, collect the appropriate data and allow genuine quality to be assessed and therefore genuine choices to be made. We do not want what we still have now: anecdotal evidence on the rights and wrongs of independent sector treatment centres going between us as legislators and some in the medical profession. I shall finish now. I hope that not only Health Committee members, but other Members with other experiences of ISTCs, will have the opportunity to make their contributions.