HC Deb 17 December 2001 vol 377 c168W
Dr. Gibson

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much of the identified spending for mental health referred to in the Wanless report will be allocated to(a) preventive interventions, (b) increased use of atypical antipsychotic drugs, (c) increased staffing and (d) spending on capital projects; and if he will make a statement. [22619]

Jacqui Smith

My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer's pre-Budget statement has made clear the need to secure substantial additional resources to ensure a modern health service across all clinical areas. There is no doubt that increases in national health service expenditure over the next decade will see substantial increases in spending on mental health including preventive interventions, increased use of atypical antipsychotic drugs, increased staffing, and spending on capital projects. We are studying the Wanless report with great interest and it will be an important source of analysis and information in the allocation of resources to the service.