HC Deb 05 March 1953 vol 512 cc550-1
27 Mr. W. T. Williams

asked the Minister of Health (1) what research is being conducted as to the cause and treatment of spasticity in Great Britain;

(2) how many spastics registered in Britain are known to have been premature births;

(3) how many spastics registered in Great Britain are known to have been instrument births.

Mr. Iain Macleod

Research into a number of the problems relating to cerebral palsy is in progress in London and certain provincial centres, mainly at or in association with teaching hospitals. It is believed that a high proportion of spastics are either prematurely born or instrumentally delivered, but no figures on this point are available.

Mr. Williams:

Is the Minister aware that the association of parents of spastic children feel that almost nothing is being done by the Government to help in research of this kind? Secondly, how is it possible for his Department to know what research into the causes of spasticity is being undertaken unless some kind of register of such births is kept? I understand that this is being done in the United States with good effect. Thirdly, cannot some such register or classification of spastics be undertaken, because the only way of attacking this difficult disease is by its early discovery?

Mr. Macleod

I should like to consider the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question very carefully. It is quite true that at the moment research is mainly pioneer work in treatment, but a good deal is genuinely being done. If more needs to be done, I should like to refer to what the hon. Gentleman has said and see what we can do.

Mr. P. Morris

Can the Minister say whether there is any liaison between his Department and that of the Minister of Education with a view to catering for the special needs of these severely handicapped children; and, if there is no such liaison, will he prevail upon the Minister of Education to look more kindly on the proposals already made to her?

Mr. Macleod

This Question refers to research which is primarily a matter for my Department, but if there is any way in which liaison can be improved we shall be glad to look into it.