§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what action he is instigating to take into account the needs of present and future generations of severely physically disabled people in long-term national health service and regional and district authority plans.
§ Mr. DorrellIt is the responsibility of health authorities to assess the health needs of their local population including severely physically disabled people and to obtain appropriate services for them. The consultative document, "The Health of the Nation", sets out the Government's proposals for the development of a health strategy for England, including suggested targets for some services of particular relevance for people with severe physical disabilities. We have also appointed an advisory group on rehabilitation to advise us on the development of NHS rehabilitation services.