§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to the answer of 24 June 2002,Official Report, column 740W, regarding long-term health, if he will invite the (a) Neurological Alliance and (b) Association of British Neurologists to participate in the external reference group; and if he will make a statement. [65127]
§ Jacqui SmithNominations for membership of the external reference group (ERG) have been received from a wide range of stakeholders. We will consider these before appointing the group later this year. The multidisciplinary nature of ERGs is the key to developing national service frameworks that deliver realistic improvements in services so members of the group are expected to be drawn from health and social care professionals and managers, service users and carers, voluntary organisations and representatives from other partner agencies.