§ Mr. CorbettTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will publish his response to the findings of the report, "A Survey of Multiple Sclerosis Provision in England 1998–99", published by the Association for Quality Care in Health. [66061]
§ Mr. Hutton[holding answer 18 January 1999]: Under the present system it is for health authorities and general practitioners to plan the services for people in their care, taking into account the needs of the local population and the priorities set for the use of available resources. The move to new commissioning arrangements will bring about improvements in services for people with conditions like multiple sclerosis. Longer term agreements, reflecting dialogue between clinicians and focusing on health improvement will increase the emphasis on programmes of care that cross the traditional boundaries to meet patient's needs best.