When asked, NHSE told us that it would welcome a definition of ‘parity of esteem’, which could encompass parity in funding, waiting times and outcomes, as well as the provision of data and information on services. The Department contended that it was not always helpful to have a clear definition and said that its current position is not to provide a specific definition.47 39 Qq 147–148; C&AG’s Report, para 18 40 House of Commons Committee of Public Accounts report, Introducing integrated care systems, Thirty-Fifth report of session 2012–23 41 Q 92 42 House of Commons Committee of Public Accounts report, Mental health services for children and young people, Seventy-Second report of session 2017–19, para 16 43 C&AG’s Report, paras 8,17 and 2.3. 44 Qq 84, 124, 139 45 House of Commons Committee of Public Accounts report, Mental health services for children and young people, Seventy-Second report of session 2017–19, para 10 46 Qq 158–161; C&AG’s Report, para 1.15; PMS0026, pages 1and; PMS0015, page 1; PMS0024, pages 1 and 3–4 47 Qq 158–162 Progress in improving NHS mental health services 15 Improving preventative and public health services and support for mental health