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CT/MRI Scanners
Mr. Jack: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the allocation of the next 50 CT and MRI scanners; and if he will state (a) when allocations will be announced and (b) what consultations will be held with health authorities on this distribution. [19907]
Jacqui Smith: The allocation of the 50 CT and 50 MRI scanners outlined in the NHS Cancer Plan is likely to be announced in the summer of 2002. Criteria for their distribution have yet to be decided. These scanners are due for installation in 2003–04.
Databases of current equipment and regional provision as well as local information, such as the cancer networks facilities and equipment strategies, will be used to help formulate criteria for allocation. When allocations are considered they will be discussed with the new strategic health authorities before they are finalised with individual NHS trusts.
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Young Carers
Mr. Oaten: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures he is taking to ensure that the current information campaign for carers' rights will include young carers. [19987]
Jacqui Smith: Information for carers has been made accessible through telephone helplines, publications by the Government and voluntary organisations, carers centres and on-line services such as the Government carers website.
We are committed to addressing the needs of young carers as set out in both the Quality Protects programme launched in 1998 and the National Strategy for Carers published in 1999. The views and comments of young carers are taken into consideration when developing policy for the Quality Protects programme.
We currently fund the Children's Society to take forward "The Young Carers Initiative" which involves consulting directly with young carers about their views and needs. The information obtained from the consultation will be used as a basis for producing a practice guide and resource pack. These packs will
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contain information on how best to deliver the needs of young carers and to encourage better partnership working within agencies.
Mr. Oaten: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures he is taking to ensure the needs of young carers will be targeted as part of his Department's funding of mental health services. [19986]
Jacqui Smith: A target has been set for mental health services that by March 2002 all regular carers of people on enhanced Care Programme Approach (CPA), including young carers, will have their own written support plans which will address their caring, physical and own mental health needs. These support plans will be implemented by October 2002.
Diabetes
Mr. Woodward: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he will publish the Diabetes National Service Framework; and if he will make a statement. [19560]
Jacqui Smith: I refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Bethnal Green and Bow (Ms King) on 15 October 2001, Official Report, column 1046W.