HC Deb 18 June 2002 vol 387 cc229-30W
15. Dr. Cable

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on waiting times for cancer treatment. [59135]

Ms Blears

The NHS Cancer Plan sets out our strategy to reduce cancer waiting times with the ultimate goal being that no one should wait longer that one month from urgent referral for suspected cancer to the start of treatment, except for a good clinical reason or through the patient's personal choice.

Mr. Burstow

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what allocation the health authorities have received from the money earmarked for palliative care under the Cancer Plan in 2001–02. [60676]

Ms Blears

The Government have pledged in the NHS Cancer Plan that funding for specialist palliative care services, including hospices, will increase by £50 million per annum by 2004. This investment is included in the overall national health service investment for implementing the Cancer Plan. We are currently reviewing the outturn position for 2001–02 and the progress in that year.