Oral Answers to Questions

Paul Maynard Excerpts
Tuesday 29th June 2010

(14 years, 4 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Paul Burstow Portrait Mr Burstow
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I am very grateful to the hon. Gentleman for that question. He is right; carers are a valuable and valued resource. They make an incredible difference to the quality of life of the people for whom they care. The Government are determined, as we have outlined in the coalition programme for government, to develop respite services further and make them available through direct payments for those people.

Paul Maynard Portrait Paul Maynard (Blackpool North and Cleveleys) (Con)
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Given the success of central Government in persuading child and adolescent mental health services to take the needs of those with learning difficulties more seriously, will the Minister commit to doing the same for those with autism, given that only 11% of CAMHS have specialist provision? Will he make a commitment to do the same thing for those with autism, please?

Paul Burstow Portrait Mr Burstow
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The hon. Gentleman makes an excellent point. We shall be getting some guidance from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence in a year’s time, and absolutely the answer is yes.