§ Ms. RichardsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many men and women have received medical help for infertility in the last year for which figures are available;
(2) what is the average time between requesting help with fertility problems and receiving treatment in the National Health Service;
(3) which district health authorities provide (a) ovarian scanning, (b) radio-immune assay service, (c) artificial insemination by donor or husband, (d) in vitro fertilisation and (e) counselling for infertile people; and whether any charge for the services.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyThis information is not held centrally. The provision of infertility services is a matter for individual health authorities to decide in the light of local needs and priorities.
§ Ms. RichardsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what research the Government are currently funding into the causes of human infertility; and when the results of this research are expected to be available.
Mr. JacksonI have been asked to reply.
I refer the hon. Member to the reply that I gave to the hon. Member for Halifax (Mrs. Mahon) on 30 October at columns 11–13.
Results arising from this extensive and continuing programme of research are published as they become available, in appropriate medical and scientific journals.