§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps he intends to take to ensure that sufficient experienced doctors are available to deal with acquired immune deficiency syndrome. Legionnaires' disease and Lassa fever infections.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeThere is an adequate supply of appropriately trained doctors nationally to treat patients with these diseases and it is for health authorities to determine their medical staffing levels in the light of local needs and priorities. Developments in patient care for those suffering from these conditions, and dissemination of good clinical practice, rest largely with the medical profession. However, we are taking a keen interest in developments and will take any steps we consider necessary to ensure that health authorities have access to the best advice available.