HC Deb 21 May 1986 vol 98 cc223-4W
Mr. Ashley

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list the centres which specialise in the treatment of photosensitivity.

Mr. Whitney

The great majority of cases of photosensitivity are treated in dermatology departments of district general hospitals. Cases requiring special investigation can be referred, in England, to St. Johns hospital for diseases of the skin, London, where special equipment and expertise in photobiology is available.

Mr. Ashley

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will ask the Committee on Safety of Medicines to assess the incidence and seriousness of photosensitivity as an adverse reaction to medical drugs;

(2) what research is being funded by his Department into ways of alleviating or curing photosensitivity resulting from an adverse reaction to medical drugs;

(3) how many adverse reaction reports there were in 1985 to the Committee on Safety of Medicines of a photosensitivy reaction to medical drugs; and which drugs were the most commonly involved.

Mr. Hayhoe

I shall let the right hon. Member have replies as soon as possible.