§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will give additional assistance to health authorities to enable them to improve facilities for screening patients for antibodies against human parvovirus who suffer from sickle cell disease and complain of joint pain.
§ Mr. John PattenThere is no evidence that the facilities for screening patients for antibodies against human parvovirus are inadequate. However, if screening of those who suffer from sickle cell disease and complain of joint pain were to lead to an increase in demand for laboratory facilities, their provision would be a matter for individual health authorities, based on a knowledge of local circumstances and priorities. A service for the detection of antibodies to human parvovirus is available through the Public Health Laboratory Service and through some university departments.