To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps she plans to take to ensure that primary care trusts continue to provide specialist myalgic encephalomyelitis and encephalopathy services after their reconfiguration in October 2006; and if she will make a statement. (85773)

We have no plans to address specifically the provision of services for those living with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) during the forthcoming reconfiguration of primary care trusts (PCTs).

The reconfigured PCTs will be expected to provide the same level of health and social care provision as existing trusts. PCTs have the freedom to decide how best to provide health and social care for those with CFS/ME, either in existing services or in a specialist centre.