Dystonia (Hansard, 17 October 1994)

§ Dr. Hendron
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) how many cases of dystonia have been diagnosed in the Southern health board area;
(2) how many cases of dystonia have been diagnosed in the Northern health board area;
(3) how many cases of dystonia have been diagnosed in the Western health board;
(4) how many cases of dystonia have been diagnosed in the Eastern health board area.

§ Mr. Ancram
This information is not collected.

§ Dr. Hendron
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if dystonia is recognised as a specific disease in relation to social security benefits.

§ Mr. Ancram
The only social security benefits which are paid in respect of specified diseases are industrial injuries benefits, which provide preferential benefits for employed earners disabled by accidents and prescribed diseases arising out of employment. Dystonia is not prescribed for the purpose of industrial injuries benefits. All other benefits paid in respect of sickness or disablement do not depend on a specific condition but rather on the effects to which that condition gives rise.

§ Dr. Hendron
To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what research is currently being carried out on dystonia in Northern Ireland.

§ Mr. Ancram
No research into the condition of dystonia is being directly funded by the Department of Health and Social Services in Northern Ireland at present. The Department has not received any applications for support for research into dystonia in recent years.