Chorley's MP has urged Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott to save NHS jobs by not transferring them to the private sector.

Lindsay Hoyle called on Mr Prescott to ensure all referrals of patients from GPs would go to hospitals in his constituency and not to new independent treatment centres, which are run by private firms for the NHS.

He asked: "I am sure you would like to congratulate the dedicated staff that work at Chorley and Preston Hospitals and the quality of service that is provided.

"Will you ensure that work will not be transferred into the private sector and ensure that all referrals from GPs will go to the hospitals and not through the independent treatment centres?

"Let's keep those dedicated staff in employment in both hospitals."

Mr Prescott, standing in for Prime Minister Tony Blair at Commons question time, said: "It is quite clear on the investment in the National Health Service, we are creating additional services both in the public and private and in the public-private partnerships and I think the guaranteeing of the workers in those industries as well as the services will be maintained.

"And I am sure we will be keeping on board the points that you have made."