Cardiff West MP Kevin Brennan has raised the prospect of Wales being left without a Health Watchdog when the current Ombudsman, Sir Michael Buckley, retires later this year.

Speaking at a meeting of the House of Commons Public Administration Committee, Mr Brennan said that the Government seemed to have made no progress on what would happen in Wales when the present Ombudsman retires.

Speaking for the Government, Cabinet Office Minister Christopher Leslie MP agreed to write to Mr Brennan detailing the steps that ministers and officials will take to ensure that Wales has a Health Ombudsman at all times.

‘Although the National Assembly must be consulted, the law is that these appointments are made by the Crown on the advice of the Secretary of State for Wales. I am pleased that the Minister has agreed to make sure that plans are in place to protect Health Service users in Wales.'