§ Mrs. BallardTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will increase the resources available for the treatment of back pain; and if he will make a statement. [23940]
§ Mr. BoatengThe Government recognise that back pain is a serious health problem and its treatment involves a wide range of services within the National Health Service. Health Authorities are given general allocations for hospital and community health services to commission health care services for their resident population. General practitioners provide general medical services. It is currently for individual health authorities to decide the level and type of services commissioned in partnership with GPs locally and through consultation with other agencies and local people, taking account of local circumstances and national policies.