§ Mr. John MorrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what variation there is in the provision of infertility treatment between each regional authority in England; and what waiting lists are maintained.
§ Mr. DenhamTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will list those health authorities which(a) will 413W purchase in-vitro fertilisation treatment for any couple of child-bearing age, (b) will purchase in-vitro fertilisation treatment for a restricted group of couples and (c) will not purchase in-vitro fertilisation treatment for any couple.
§ Mr. SackvilleIt is the responsibility of each individual health authority to determine its provision of infertility treatment. Information on which health authorities provide in-vitro fertilisation treatment is not available centrally. Available information on waiting times for infertility treatment is given in "Hospital Episode Statistics, Volume 2", copies of which are available in the Library.
§ Mr. Jon Owen JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what initiatives she proposes to reduce waiting lists for infertility treatment.
§ Dr. MawhinneyWe are committed to reducing all waiting times, including that for infertility treatment. Patients charter guarantees limit the time people have to wait for hospital treatment. District health authorities are encouraged to improve upon these guarantees.