FORMER Tory leader William Hague has secured a Westminster debate on the National Health Service's handling of the case of disgraced North Yorkshire gynaecologist, Richard Neale.
Mr Hague was told last night that his request to hold the Commons adjournment debate had been successful. It will take place next Thursday evening, when Mr Hague will demand that the inquiries into Neale's affairs be open to the public.
He will also ask the Health Secretary Alan Milburn why Neale, who was struck off the medical register in Canada, was allowed to practise in Britain.
A judicial review into Mr Milburn's decision to hold the inquiries into the activities of Neale, who worked at the Friarage Hospital, Northallerton, will take place on February 5.
Neale was struck off last year after the General Medical Council heard he had botched a series of operations.
A spokesman for Mr Hague said the Richmond MP wanted to "make the public's concerns as vocal as possible". "He will be highlighting the concerns of the individuals who are the victims of the blunders," the spokesman said.
"He will ask the Health Secretary why they are being barred from seeing what is happening in the inquiries, and why they cannot make representations.
"He will focus closely on the implications for the NHS of allowing someone to practice in Britain, after being struck off in Canada."
Campaigners have argued that an inquiry into Neale should be held in public.
Updated: 10:27 Friday, January 25, 2002
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