§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Secretary of State for Health who determines where responsibility for funding continuing care arrangements for specific individuals lies; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. BowisUnder the new community care arrange-ments local and health authorities are required to agree their respective responsibilities for long-term care.
§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will issue new guidance on the provision of continuing care to clarify under what specific circumstan-ces health authorities are expected to fund continuing care; and if she will make a statement.
§ Ms PrimaroloTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans she has to issue comprehensive guidance to health authorities and providers on the responsibility of the NHS to pay for continuing care.
§ Mr. BowisUnder the community care arrangements local and health authorities were required to agree their respective resonsibilities for long-term care. The implementation of the community care arrangements has been carefully monitored. The need for any clarification of health and local authority responsibilities is being kept under review.
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§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make a statement on the responsibility of health authorities and local authorities when responsibility for funding continuing care is based upon reasons of ill health.
§ Mr. BowisThe national health service is responsible for meeting needs for long-term healthcare. It is for local health purchasers to determine the level and type of services provided in the light of local needs, resources and clinical practice.