§ Lord Reaasked Her Majesty's Government:
How the proposal by Lambeth, Lewisham and Southwark Health Authority to stop purchasing the psychotherapy services provided by Lambeth Healthcare Trust can be justified, in view of the recent report of the NHS Executive recommending the strengthening of psychotherapy services in the NHS.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Baroness Cumberlege)It is for Lambeth, Southwark and Lewisham Health Authority to decide what services to commission for its local population. The noble Lord may wish to write to the chairman of the health authority, Mrs. Linda Smith, regarding the authority's plans for commissioning psychotherapy services. Health authorities are expected to take account of information from the National Health Service Executive in determining their commissioning plans and are required to consult on any significant changes in service provision.