§ Mr. Paul MarsdenTo ask the Secretary of State for Health when the NHS Direct service will be available to the public in Shropshire; and if he will make a statement. [92040]
§ Mr. DenhamThe roll-out of NHS Direct in the West Midlands Region is proceeding according to plan and NHS Direct will be available in the whole of the region by the end of the year 2000. Shropshire Health Authority, working closely with local stakeholders including general practitioners, is contributing to the planning of the provision of NHS Direct in the area, and this work is currently progressing well.