To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the provision of pulmonary rehabilitation services in Gloucestershire. [129027]

[holding answer 11 September 2003]: The National Institute for Clinical Excellence is currently developing a guideline on the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in primary and secondary care. It is due to publish the guideline in 2004. In January 2003 the Respiratory Alliance published their guidance, "Bridging the Gap", which aims to help primary care trusts (PCTs) to commission and deliver high quality allergy and respiratory care.In line with our policy of "Shifting the Balance of Power", it is up to PCTs, in conjunction with strategic health authorities (SHAs) to take this work forward. I have been advised by the Avon, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire SHA that in Gloucestershire patients with COPD have access to support within the primary care setting and also secondary care services within the wider hospital respiratory team. The local PCTs in Gloucestershire are jointly funding a project post to look at ways in which delivery of the current service can be improved, and to consider the development of future initiatives including COPD rehabilitation.