HL Deb 08 June 1967 vol 283 cc521-2

3.15 p.m.

LORD SEGAL

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the first Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government how many local authorities are now arranging the testing for phenylketonuria of all new-born babies; and what steps they have taken to assist all doctors in the early diagnosis of this disease.]

LORD BESWICK

My Lords, all local health authorities in Great Britain are now testing for this condition. My right honourable friends the Minister of Health and the Secretary of State for Scotland have given guidance to medical officers of health about testing. They have emphasised that local arrangements depend for their success upon close liaison with family doctors and the pædiatric departments of hospitals in order to facilitate diagnosis and treatment and to help parents to deal with the problems of management and dieting, consequent on diagnosis.

LORD SEGAL

My Lords, I thank my noble friend for that reply, but is he aware that this dreadful disease, although rare, can be treated successfuly only if it is diagnosed early? Is he also aware that several parents are fully prepared to collaborate with the Ministry to help in every possible way to save other parents from the ordeal which they themselves have had to undergo?

LORD BESWICK

My Lords, I agree with what my noble friend says. As he knows, a great deal of work is being done under the auspices of the Medical Research Council to evaluate the various forms of speedy testing, and we all hope that a successful outcome will emerge. I am happy to say that the incidence of this disease is very small—I am advised one in 20,000 births at present.

LORD SEGAL

My Lords, does my noble friend realise that once a doctor has seen a case of this disease he is likely to remember it for the rest of his life? Would the Ministry be prepared to collaborate in producing a film on this disease for showing to local medical societies to impress on the doctors the importance of early diagnosis?

LORD BESWICK

My Lords, as I have said, I agree with my noble friend that early diagnosis is essential. I think he is aware that it is the practice to ensure that every child shortly after birth is tested for this disease. I agree with him about its distressing character. As noble Lords will be aware, it is an inherited disease which, if left untreated, will result in varying degrees of mental deficiency. If we can get the additional co-operation of parents it would be a good thing, and I will gladly consult with my noble friend to see what might be done. I know of the work which he is doing for the Mentally Handicapped Children's Association.

LORD SEGAL

My Lords, I should like to thank my noble friend for his reply and for the offer he has made to collaborate further in trying to prevent these unnecessary cases of this disease occurring.