To ask the Secretary of State for Health further to the publication of the Cancer Reform Strategy, what the timetable is for asking all chemotherapy service providers to return an agreed dataset on all patients receiving chemotherapy. (183990)

The chemotherapy dataset is currently being defined by the National Chemotherapy Advisory Group. Work on the dataset should be completed by October 2008 and reporting is due to begin from October 2009.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health further to the publication of the Cancer Reform Strategy, when he expects primary care trusts (a) to undertake a review of cancer chemotherapy and (b) to develop a strategic framework for chemotherapy services. (183991)

As set out in the Cancer Reform Strategy, a National Chemotherapy Advisory Group (NCAG) has been established and is considering all aspects of chemotherapy.

Publication of the NCAG report is expected in the spring and will recommend next steps for chemotherapy services. The Department and the cancer action team will then work with cancer networks and primary care trusts to take forward NCAG’s recommendations where appropriate.