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Asthma
Mr. Fearn: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many children are recognised as suffering from asthma currently; and how many were registered (a) in 1992 and (b) in 1987. [4595]
Ms Jowell: There are no comprehensive data on the number of children with asthma. It is estimated to affect between 4 and 6 per cent. of children in England sufficiently severely to require regular medical supervision.
| Age group | ||
|---|---|---|
| 0-4 | 5-14 | |
| 1987 | 74.4 | 58.9 |
| 1992 | 147.8 | 84.2 |
| 1996(19) | 104.7 | 63.7 |
Source:
Royal College of General Practitioners Weekly Returns Service.
Note:
(19) Most recent year available.
Cystic Fibrosis
Mr. Bob Russell: To ask the Secretary of State for Health when the conclusions of the review into cystic fibrosis screening commissioned by the NHS Executive Research and Development Health Technology Assessment Programme will be announced. [5000]
Ms Jowell:
The findings of the research undertaken in the National Health Service Executive Research and Development Health Technology Assessment's project on screening for cystic fibrosis are expected to be available publicly by the end of 1997.
24 Jun 1997 : Column: 507
Ms Hewitt:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will review the system of prescription charges for hormone replacement therapy with special reference to the requirement to pay two prescription charges for certain courses of treatment. [5063]
Mr. Milburn:
We will be examining the whole question of prescription charges, as part of the Government's Comprehensive Spending Review. The Government remains committed to the historic principle of the National Health Service that health services will be available to all and access will be based on need, not on ability to pay.
Mr. Hunter:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the cost of administering the NHS sight testing scheme in (a) 1995-96 and (b) 1996-97. [5253]
Mr. Milburn:
It would involve disproportionate cost to identify this information from within health authorities' overall expenditure on the administration of the family health services.
Dr. Kumar:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health what changes will be made to the cash limits of his Department in 1997-98. [5468]
Mr. Dobson:
The cash limit for Class XI Vote 1 (Hospital, community health, family health and related services, England) will be reduced by £13,000,000 (from £29,362,456,000 to £29,349,456,000). This allows for a transfer to Class IX, Vote 1 (Department for Education and Employment: programmes and central services) as part of the funding for the merger of the Imperial College and the West London Medical School.
The decrease will be offset by an increase to another Vote and will not therefore change the planned total of Public expenditure.
Mr. Corbyn:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proposals he has for a compensation plan for those suffering as a result of receiving the wrong dosage of radiotherapy; and if he will make a statement. [4764]
Ms Jowell:
The Government have every sympathy with women who have suffered adverse side-effects as a consequence of radiotherapy treatment. Where people have been harmed by clinical treatment and negligence can be shown to have caused this, compensation may be sought through the courts. However, it is a longstanding principle that compensation should only be paid by the NHS when there is evidence that negligence has been involved.
The following action has been taken to help women with damage as a result of radiotherapy for breast cancer:
24 Jun 1997 : Column: 508
Mr. Corbyn:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions he has had with representatives of those suffering as a result of radiotherapy overdoses; and if he will make a statement. [4763]
Ms Jowell:
Representatives of those suffering as a result of radiotherapy treatment-both RAGE BREAST and RAGE NATIONAL have asked to meet Ministers to outline their aims and concerns. I am glad to report that my Noble Friend the Minister of State, Baroness Jay has agreed to see a joint representation from both these organisations.
Mr. Hesford:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans the Government have to review the guidelines for occupational health services for NHS staff. [3489]
Mr. Milburn:
Following detailed consultation with professional bodies, Health Service Guidelines for Occupational Health (HSG(94)51) were issued in December 1994. This guidance took into account the recommendations of the "Clothier" report on former nurse Beverley Allitt. In the light of the publication of the "Bullock Report" (the inquiry into the events surrounding the conviction of Amanda Jenkinson) we are considering whether the existing guidance can be further improved.
Mrs. Roe:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the cost to the NHS of the reinstatement of regional health authorities. [3479]
Mr. Milburn:
We have no plans to reinstate regional health authorities, and no estimates of the cost of doing so have been made.
Mr. Kemp:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on NHS provision for those with stammers or other speech impediments. [3498]
24 Jun 1997 : Column: 509
Mr. Boateng:
We are well aware of the importance of providing speech and language therapy for people where there is evidence that they can benefit from the service. Decisions about the amount of funding available for these services are the responsibility of health commissioners, who have to take account of the resources needed for the other services to the local population for which they are responsible.
Mr. Dawson:
To ask the Ministers of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) when the Environment Agency investigations into landfill sites which have accommodated BSE waste will be (a) completed (b) published; [2828]
24 Jun 1997 : Column: 510
Mr. Rooker:
The Environment Agency's assessment of landfill sites which took cattle affected, or suspected of being affected, with BSE before sufficient carcase incineration capacity came on stream in 1991 to process the number of cases that were coming forward is now completed.
The Agency is considering how best to publish the assessment, and related work, and aims to do so shortly. The Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee (SEAC) has noted the methodology used by the Environment Agency in assessing the various disposal routes for cattle derived waste and is content with the conclusions of the reports.
24 Jun 1997 : Column: 509
In May 1994 the Department issued guidance entitled "Quality Assurance in Radiotherapy--A Quality Management System for Radiotherapy".
With regard to those suffering adverse effects following pelvic radiotherapy for gynaecological cancers, in 1996, a Working Group, which includes representatives from a number of Royal Colleges, voluntary organisations and the Department, was set up to consider the preparation of patient information leaflets concerning possible adverse effects following pelvic radiotherapy and to raise awareness generally. A sub-group is also considering issuing guidelines for health professionals on the care of women suffering adverse effects as a result of pelvic radiotherapy.
The Royal College of Radiologists at the Department's request, convened a small group of professionals and lay people in Autumn 1994 to consider guidelines for care of women who have suffered tissue damage following radiotherapy for breast cancer. This report was issued to the NHS by the Department in October 1995.
The Royal College of Radiologists carried out a confidential clinical review of 126 women who had suffered injury following radiotherapy treatment for breast cancer at 15 centres in the period 1980-93. The report makes recommendations on the management of breast cancer, particularly on radiotherapy, and for further research.
(2) when the Spongiform Encephalitis Advisory Committee will report on safe ways of disposing of BSE-infected material; and when that report will be published. [2829]