§ Dr. GibsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how much money was allocated for cancer services in(a) 1999–2000, (b) 2000–01 and (c) 2001–02; how much money is allocated for cancer services in 2002–03 in (i) the NHS Cancer Plan and (ii) the NHS Priorities and Planning Framework 2002–03; and if he will make a statement. [29435]
§ Yvette Cooper[holding answer 23 January 2002]: In 1999–2000 and 2000–01, resources for cancer services were included in general allocations to the national health service. The Department does not collect information that enables a complete figure to be calculated on the cost of a particular disease.
The time since the publication of the Cancer Plan (September 2000) has seen the biggest ever increase in funding specifically for cancer services.
In 2001–02 there was an extra £280 million made available for cancer services as promised in the Cancer Plan.
The NHS priorities and planning framework for 2002–03 earmarked a further £76 million to increase cancer spending (in 2002–03) as promised in the Cancer Plan.