Question
To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the statement by Earl Howe on 12 October (Official Report, col. 1708) that the Health and Social Care Bill's proposals were in the coalition Government's party manifestos, what was the wording used in those documents to that effect; and whether they consider that they have a democratic mandate for the expansion of the external market in the National Health Service.
Answer
Both coalition parties, within their manifestos as well as the coalition agreement, committed to giving patients access to the best care available by securing services from the best provider whether from the public, private or voluntary sector. The coalition agreement can be found at: www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/news/coalition-documents.