§ Mr. PikeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many NHS Direct schemes are(a) in operation and (b) planned; and if he will make a statement. [97964]
§ Ms StuartThere are currently thirteen NHS Direct sites in operation and the service is available to over 40 per cent. of the population of England. From early December 1999, four new sites will become operational and five of the existing sites will expand their coverage, making the service available to over 60 per cent. of the population of England. NHS Direct will be available to the whole population of England by the end of the year 2000.