§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the means by which primary care groups are able to purchase appropriate mental health services, including counselling and psychotherapy for their patients. [23465]
§ Mr. BoatengPrimary Care Groups will provide a direct means by which general practitioners, their primary care team and community nurses, working in co-operation with health authorities, and other health and social care professionals, will lead the process of securing appropriate, high quality care for local people. Commissioning of all services will be determined in accordance with national priorities and local health improvement programmes.