§ Dr. Hampsonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he has issued a circular to regional health authorities regarding serum-alpha-fetoprotein screening, or if he intends to do so;
(2) how many regional health authorities have been running pilot programmes of serum-alpha-fetoprotein screening; what has been the cost of each; and who has funded each one;
(3) if he will earmark a sum of money to enable regional health authorities to operate serum-alpha-fetoprotein screening;
(4) if he will encourage those regional health authorities which have been engaged in serum-alpha-fetoprotein screening to go on with the screening now that the pilot studies have ended;
(5)what consultations he has had with the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists regarding serum-alpha-fetoprotein screening.
590W
§ Mr. MoyleThe report of the United Kingdom Collaborative Study, published in theLancet on 25th June this year, suggested that routine serum alphafetoprotein assays for all pregnant women would make it possible to identify for further tests the great majority of those at risk of having a child with spina bifida or anencephaly. I regard the humanitarian arguments for a safe and effective screening service as paramount, but a study by my Economic Adviser's Office indicated that such a service would also cover its costs within a few years of introdution. On the basis of these studies a draft circular suggesting the introduction of a screening service on a regional basis was sent for consultation to health authorities and the professional bodies most closely concerned in August. Most comments have been received, and I expect shortly to receive those of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Reactions to the principle of a screening service have been favourable, but differing views have been expressed about the best timing for its introduction. I shall be reconsidering the draft guidance in the light of comments received, and it would, therefore, be premature for me to make a decision about encouragement or financial assistance at this stage.
I am aware that in some places pregnant women are already being offered routine serum alphafetoprotein screening, but no details are collected centrally of where these are or of the cost involved.
My right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Wales and I are currently funding research in Cardiff designed to throw light on the implications and problems of such a screening service.