§ Mr. JackTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the allocation of the next 50 CT and MRI scanners; and if he will state(a) when allocations will be announced and (b) what consultations will be held with health authorities on this distribution. [19907]
§ Jacqui SmithThe allocation of the 50 CT and 50 MRI scanners outlined in the NHS Cancer Plan is likely to be announced in the summer of 2002. Criteria for their distribution have yet to be decided. These scanners are due for installation in 2003–04.
Databases of current equipment and regional provision as well as local information, such as the cancer networks facilities and equipment strategies, will be used to help formulate criteria for allocation. When allocations are considered they will be discussed with the new strategic health authorities before they are finalised with individual NHS trusts.