§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what the key priorities are of the National Consultation's Expert Group on long-term conditions for(a) 2003–04 and (b) 2004–05. [141695]
§ Dr. LadymanEight national task groups, including one for people with continuing, long-term conditions, contributed to the consultation on choice, responsiveness and equity in the national health service and social care. The Government intend to publish a document shortly setting out the broad themes that have emerged from the national consultation and how these will shape future policy and action.
§ Mr. BaronTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if the Government will provide ring-fenced funding to implement the national service framework for long-term conditions. [142629]
§ Dr. LadymanWe currently plan to publish the national service framework for long-term conditions at the end of next year. Implementation will take place over 10 years from 2005 and will be in line with our overall strategy to support delivery of the NHS Plan, which is to set a clear national framework of standards backed up by independent inspection and, increasingly, to give more responsibility to front-line health and social services providers so that local organisations have more flexibility and freedom to plan, resource and deliver services. As a result we are increasing general funding allocations to local national health service and social care organisations.