Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the merits of a respiratory modern service framework as a mechanism for reducing health inequalities, supporting economic participation, and strengthening the UK's life sciences sector.

The Government will consider in due course other long-term conditions for future waves of modern service frameworks (MSFs), including respiratory conditions. The criteria for determining other conditions for future MSFs will be based on where there is potential for rapid and significant improvements in quality of care and productivity.

After the initial wave of MSFs is complete, the National Quality Board will determine the conditions to prioritise for new MSFs as part of its work programme, and will take into account any relevant recommendations and representations made by other bodies, including the Taskforce mentioned by the Noble Lord.