Written question asked by Liam Fox (Conservative) on Tuesday, 9 September 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 6 October 2003. It was answered by Lord Hutton of Furness (Labour) on Monday, 6 October 2003 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, on what basis certain geographical areas were selected to participate in the procurement programme for diagnostic and treatment centres.

Answer: Dr. Fox: To ask the Secretary of State for Health on what basis certain geographical areas were selected to participate in the procurement programme for diagnostic and treatment centres. [129591] Mr. Hutton: In autumn 2002, the national health service undertook a national capacity planning process lead by local NHS commissioners. This identified a range of capacity gaps that needed to be met for the NHS to meet the waiting time target set for 2005. Where the NHS was not able to demonstrate robust plans to meet this demand, the residual activity was tested with the independent sector.

Secondary information