§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) under the arrangements contained in the NHS White Paper, which body will commission local hospital and community mental health services; and what scope there will be for local determination; [30210]
(2) for what reasons mental health services in England are not commissioned by primary care trusts. [30211]
§ Mr. BoatengAs envisaged in the White Paper "The New NHS", the new Primary Care Groups will commission the majority of local mental health services in England. Health authorities will commission specialist mental health services. Health Improvement Programmes will allow consideration of local health needs and how these can best be met, as well as how national targets can be delivered.