§ Jon CruddasTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) whether he uses the estimates of the extent of allergies in the June 2003 report by the Royal College of Physicians, "Allergy: the Unmet Need", as a basis for NHS planning; and what other evidence-based planning data he proposes to use; [169904]
(2) what his latest estimate is of the annual cost to the NHS of allergies; and what assessment he has made of the recent changes in the incidence of more serious systemic allergies. [169905]
§ Dr. LadymanWe welcomed the Royal College of Physicians' report and believe it is a useful contribution to the debate on how to improve national health service allergy services. It is the role of primary care trusts, in partnership with local stakeholders, to decide what services to provide for their popular ions, including those with allergies. They are best placed to understand local health care needs and commission services to meet them.
Information about the annual cost to the NHS of allergies is not centrally available.
We are aware that there has been a particular increase in severe allergic disease, including, anaphylaxis; severe reactions to food and drugs are now common.