§ Mr. HealdTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the main barriers to those contemplating suicide receiving the treatment they need. [13964]
§ Jacqui Smith[holding answer 15 November 2001]: An assessment of the main barriers to those contemplating suicide receiving the treatment they need helped inform the development of the National Service Framework for Mental Health. Implementation of the NSF and NHS Plan will ensure that people receive services that are more responsive to their needs. In addition, the suicide prevention strategy, to be launched in spring 2002, will 133W outline further action to ensure the target in "Saving lives: Our Healthier Nation" to reduce the death rate from suicide by at least one fifth by 2010 is met.
§ Mr. HealdTo ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects to implement a national suicide prevention strategy. [13965]
§ Jacqui Smith[holding answer 15 November 2001]: The Department hopes to launch the suicide prevention strategy in spring 2002. We are in the process of considering the timetable for its implementation.