§ Mr. JackTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has for the distribution of the remaining money available from the New Opportunities Fund for the undertaking of research and other work in the field of cancer treatments; and if he will make a statement. [147221]
§ Yvette Cooper[holding answer 25 January 2001]: In England, the New Opportunities Fund 'Living With Cancer' programme has provided £93 million to fund equipment to screen for, diagnose and treat cancer. A further £23.25 million is funding home care, support for carers and information projects that target socially disadvantaged groups or minority ethnic communities. 755W Over 99 per cent. of these funds have now been awarded. Any remaining funds will be used for similar projects. This programme is not intended to fund medical research.
The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has recently completed a consultation exercise on new proposals for health. This new programme will build on the 'Living With Cancer' programme and Government plans for the modernisation of cancer services.