§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is his policy concerning the allocation of resources to the treatment and prevention of asthma; and what studies his Department has made of its incidence in childhood.
§ Mr. Gwilym JonesHealth authorities are expected to assess the health needs of their local populations and identify future action in their local strategies for health. The Protocol for Investment in Health Gain for Respiratory Diseases, published in February 1992, includes specific targets for asthma.
The Welsh Office has funded three projects under the Welsh scheme for the development of health and social research, which have looked specifically at childhood asthma. In addition, the Welsh Medical Committee has established a working party on asthma, charged with assessing the current provision for asthma and recommending appropriate development. The working party is expected to report to the Secretary of State shortly.
§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales how many special consultants there are in asthma practice in Wales; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. Gwilym JonesInformation relating to the numbers of consultants working in the NHS in Wales is collected centrally on the basis of specialties recognised by the royal colleges. Asthma is not one of these recognised specialties and hence the information requested is not available.
§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is his assessment of the effect upon asthma sufferers of air pollution in Wales.
§ Mr. Gwilym JonesEvidence suggests that asthma attacks in those who already suffer from asthma may be triggered by episodes of air pollution. Regular monitoring of air quality in Wales shows that pollution levels are generally within European Community and World Health Organisation guideline limits.
The committee on the medical effects of air pollutants has set up a sub-group on asthma which will investigate the relationship between air pollution and trends in asthma incidence, and will make recommendations to Government on research.
§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales how he proposes to protect the health of asthma sufferers in Wales; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Gwilym JonesSince July 1993, GP practices receive payments for organising specific programmes for the care of patients with asthma. Initial evidence shows a 90 per cent. take-up level amongst GPs organising such programmes in Wales. The Welsh Medical Committee working party on asthma has been charged with assessing the current provision of help for asthma sufferers, to identify deficiencies and to recommend appropriate developments.
A range of measures are also being taken to reduce air pollution in Wales, including tighter controls on industry and improved standards for road vehicles. Air quality is also regularly monitored by the Government and local authorities. The air quality helpline, freephone 0800 556677, provides a public information service, enabling asthmatics to take steps to reduce their exposure, should air pollution levels become high.