HC Deb 10 March 1976 vol 907 cc248-9W
Mr. Newens

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many new cases of Wilson's disease have been diagnosed for each of the last five years for which figures are available; and how many deaths from this cause have occurred annually over this period.

Dr. Owen

I regret that this information is not available.

Mr. Newens

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many patients suffering from Wilson's disease are known to have died over the course of the past five years as the result of failure to diagnose the disease or failure to provide the drugs and treatment recognised to be effective.

Dr. Owen

I am not aware of any instances where such failures have been alleged other than that already brought to my attention by my hon. Friend. However, because of the rarity of the disease it would not be surprising if it has on other occasions been diagnosed and treated late.

Mr. Newens

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she is satisfied with present facilities for the diagnosis and treatment of Wilson's disease and the availability of the drugs required to fight this disease.

Dr. Owen

My Department is currently reviewing the services available for sufferers of gentically determined diseases such as this to see whether any further improvements can be made.

Mr. Newens

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what facilities exist at the present time for the production and supply of triethylene tetramine in the United Kingdom; and if she regards the present situation as satisfactory.

Dr. Owen

Triethylene tetramine is used in the treatment of a few sufferers from Wilson's disease for whom penicillimine is unsuitable. Because of the very small demand for this drug it is processed and encapsulated at Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambride for administration to patients under the care of Dr. J. M. Walshe of the Department of Medicine at the Cambridge University Clinical School, who has been in correspondence with my Department.

The present arrangements for the manufacture of triethylene tetramine are being reviewed and officers of my Department will very shortly be meeting Dr. Walshe to consider possible alternatives.