To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 3 March 2008, Official Report, columns 2105-6W, on radiotherapy, how many patients had (a) part funded and (b) fully funded proton therapy abroad; in which countries patients have received proton therapy treatment; and if he will make a statement. (193112)

Information on the number of patients who have funded or part funded proton beam therapy abroad is not collected centrally.

Patients have been referred to Switzerland for proton beam therapy.

From April 2008 proton therapy for suitable cancers other than eye cancers, which can be treated in the United Kingdom, will be nationally commissioned from overseas. In the longer term, the Department will consider options for providing modern proton therapy services in this country.