8. Will the First Minister make a statement on how the Welsh NHS maintains the principle of being free at the point of care? OAQ(5)0134(FM)

The founding principles of the NHS—to provide health services that are comprehensive, free at the point of delivery and based on equity and equality—remain at the heart of the health service in Wales.

Thank you for that answer, First Minister. The internal market in the NHS in England has been estimated to cost up to £10 billion a year. Would you agree with me that the Welsh Labour Government commitment to having no internal market in the Welsh NHS has been of tremendous benefit for patients, and that it is a commitment that will continue?

I can give that commitment 100 per cent. We know that where markets have been introduced in the NHS elsewhere they have led to waste and inefficiency.

Thank you, First Minister.