Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 16 January 2018 to Question 123159, how is mental health expertise adequately represented across the disciplines involved on the Advisory Committee on Resource Allocation.

The Advisory Committee on Resource Allocation covers a range of technical expertise, and has experience of a range of service areas, including mental health services. NHS England do not maintain a detailed up-to-date audit of members’ skills and experiences. At least two-thirds of the committee have some professional experience of mental health services, as an academic, a health analyst, a National Health Service manager, a commissioner, or a clinician.

Where necessary, NHS England draws on its expertise to ensure the Advisory Committee has access to the knowledge, skills and expertise it needs.