HL Deb 09 July 2003 vol 651 c44WA
Lord Ashley of Stoke

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What information they have regarding the existence of postcode lotteries for specialised services; and for which services does this apply. [HL3528]

Lord Warner

Primary care trusts commission healthcare services for their local populations including specialised services on the basis of national imperatives such as the National Institute for Clinical Excellence appraisals, and priorities according to local needs and evidence of clinical and cost effectiveness. Specialised services are often purchased by consortia which will consider issues of access as part of the process. This information is not collected centrally.