§ Chris GraylingTo ask the Secretary of State for Health for what reason the London region of the NHS decided to reduce the number of mental health services bought from outside London. [47500]
§ Jacqui SmithLondon is developing local national health service mental health services, in line with the adult mental health national service framework and NHS Plan. The development and expansion of local services will also reduce London's reliance on out of London placements in the independent sector and on other NHS facilities. This will mean less travelling for patients and their carers and is therefore supported by them. Where local services do not exist, London will continue to use mental health facilities outside of London based on clinical advice and appropriate services being available.