DELIVERY OF BENEFITS FOR THE TERMINALLY ILL

That this House notes the report, Department of Health: Tackling Cancer: improving the patient journey, of the Committee of Public Accounts published in December 2005 in which it was noted that over three quarters of patients were not given information by the NHS or others on the financial benefits they were entitled to; further notes that under examination by the aforementioned Committee Professor Mike Richards, National Cancer Director of St Thomas' Hospital, claimed that a way forward ought to have been agreed by autumn 2006 by the Department of Health, the Department for Work and Pensions, and Macmillan Cancer relief to resolve this issue which leaves so many who are entitled to benefits unaware of their existence; and is concerned that no such announcement has yet been made.