Written question asked by Paul Keetch (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 12 December 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 14 December 2005. It was answered by Jane Kennedy (Labour) on Tuesday, 20 December 2005 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Breast Cancer

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will take steps to ensure that extra funding for Herceptin will be made available if it is required.

Answer: The cost of Herceptin will need to be met from the existing settlement agreed for the national health service.We understand that some trusts are already under financial pressures and may have to make difficult decisions in allocating resources. However, we have greatly increased the amount of money going into the NHS and those trusts with deficits have financial recovery plans in place.Funding of the NHS has increased from £34.7 billion in 1997–98 to £69.7 billion in 2004–05. By 2007–08 spending on the NHS will have increased to £92 billion.

Secondary information