§ Ann TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has for the introduction of a national service framework on lung disease. [135180]
§ Miss Melanie JohnsonThere are no plans for a national service framework (NSF) on lung disease. We are, however, taking steps to improve services for people with lung disease. The children's NSF will include 243W childhood asthma as an exemplar condition. The NSF for chronic heart disease already has a reduction in cigarette smoking as one of its major targets. We have also banned tobacco advertising and made smoking reduction aids available on national health service prescription.
Additionally we have asked the National Institute for Clinical Excellence to prepare guidelines for the management and diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. We expect this guidance to be produced in 2004.