§ Lord Kennetasked Her Majesty's Government:
On what grounds the Department of Health has refused funding to the Multiple Births Foundation 2256WA at Queen Charlotte's Hospital and whether, in view of the large number of multiple births resulting from procedures conducted at commercially-run clinics, they have decided not at present to require from them a proportionate contribution to the consequent costs that fall on the National Health Service when the babies are born and afterwards.
§ Baroness HooperWe have high regard for the work of the foundation, but its application for a grant under Section 64 of the Public Health Act 1968 for 1990/91 did not command sufficiently high priority for an award to be made from the limited funds available for new grants. I have subsequently met Dr. Elizabeth Bryan, director of the foundation, to dicuss its work and finances. The foundation is to consider reapplying for 1991/92.
It is our view that maternity and neonatal services provided under the National Health Service should continue to be free of any charge.