Cancer Services (Funding) (Hansard, 13 April 1999)

§ Mr. Hutton

The New Opportunities Fund for cancer prevention, detection, treatment and care will contribute to the Government's drive to provide high quality cancer services for all and reduce cancer mortality. The New Opportunities Fund money will also help to reduce waiting times for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer by investing in replacement or additional high-tech equipment.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport is leading the New Opportunities Fund initiative. £150 million has been allocated for National Health Service cancer services over the next three years. Application guidance will be available in the late Summer and bids will build on local initiatives to promote cancer prevention, improve access to screening and treatment, including the provision of new equipment, and help individuals and families to cope with the impact of cancer on their lives.

The focus of the initiative in England will be the purchase of equipment, such as breast screening mammography units, scanners and linear accelerators. There are no plans to use New Opportunities Funding for cytotoxic drugs. 80 per cent. of the total allocation in England will be used to purchase equipment. It is anticipated that a large part of the funding will be allocated in the first year. The Directions make it clear that this is a one-off catch-up exercise in order to bring provision to an even standard across the country and that equipment should only be purchased which is in addition to that planned and funded within currently approved budgets.