To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the future of the National Service Framework for long term neurological conditions; and what the responsibilities of primary care trusts are with regard to the Framework. (181496)

[holding answer 24 January 2008]: The national service framework (NSF) for long-term conditions has a 10 year implementation programme from its publication in March 2005, with flexibility for primary care trusts to set the pace of change locally to take account of local priorities and needs. The NSF good practice guide demonstrates that that a number of organisations have successfully addressed aspects of service delivery outlined in the NSF.