Written question asked by Nigel Griffiths (Labour) on Monday, 7 December 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 14 December 2009. It was answered by Phil Hope (Labour) on Monday, 14 December 2009 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Autism

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health with which Ministerial colleagues in each Department he has discussed the development in other Government departments of the Government's autism strategy.

Answer: The Adult Autism Strategy spans not just health and social care but also provides a framework for services across the public sector. The Department has therefore undertaken an extensive programme of activity to ensure this work aligns with the existing work programmes of other Government Departments. Departmental officials have been working closely with colleagues across Government to assess:"the merits of issues and proposals emerging from the consultation and external reference group or if there are more viable alternative means to deliver the same goals;""the cost-effectiveness of options for action, and whether they can be integrated into existing budgets; and""the scale of the offer which each Department can bring forward to improve access to services and transform and improve the life chances of people with Autistic Spectrum Condition."The strategy will benefit from the same cross-Government coalition which has so successfully supported the delivery of "Valuing People Now".

Secondary information