§ Dr. BrandTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what the timetable is for the development of a National Service framework for the care of older people; and when the consultation will take place. [65324]
§ Mr. HuttonThe process for the development of the national service framework for the care of older people is already underway, and the framework will be operational from April 2000. Co-chairs of the External Reference Group that will advise the Government on the development of the framework were announced on 21 December 1998 and it is expected that the External Reference Group will be formed within the next month.
The External Reference Group will draw on views from all stakeholders in the care of older people throughout the process.