§ Mrs. FitzsimonsTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to extend provision for communication aids for severely disabled people. [59754]
§ Jacqui SmithThe NHS Plan aims to benefit disabled people by increasing provision of community equipment to 50 per cent. more people than in 2000–01 and by integrating health and social service equipment services. Improved funding for the equipment (including communication aids) that such services provide is, and will be, part of increased baseline allocations to health and social services in the years 2001–02 to 2003–04. It is for local services to decide their spending priorities and there are no specific plans to extend provision for communication aids.