Charles Walker calls for safeguards to ensure that the new Primary Care Trust in east and north Hertfordshire will serve the less-well-off parts of the Broxbourne constituency.

Mr. Charles Walker (Broxbourne) (Con): When we in Hertfordshire were faced with the prospect of one PCT, we campaigned for two, so we are delighted that we have got two. The east and north Hertfordshire PCT will serve my constituency. What safeguards will be in place to ensure that that new PCT serves the less-well-off parts of my constituency, such as Waltham Cross and Cheshunt, and does not focus too much of its time on-how can I put this delicately?-the posh parts in the north of Hertfordshire?

Andy Burnham: That is proof that we listened to the hon. Gentleman's representations. It is obviously for the champion of the underprivileged on the Conservative Benches to ensure that his local PCT pays adequate regard to the parts of his constituency in which the health needs are greatest, although, of course, that is something that local responsiveness should pick up.

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