Written question asked by Rosie Cooper (Labour) on Thursday, 9 March 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 13 March 2006. It was answered by Liam Byrne (Labour) on Tuesday, 21 March 2006 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Sexual Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment she has made of the provision of sexual health services in West Lancashire.

Answer: The Department makes financial allocations direct to primary care trusts (PCTs). The responsibility for the provision of these services rests with the national health service at local level. The consideration that PCTs give to this is part of a range of factors that they must take into account in discussions with local health bodies and patient groups in deciding their policy on the provision of treatment services for their locality. This policy will reflect local health needs and priorities.

Secondary information