§ Mr. Wigleyasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he proposes to institute a comprehensive programme to screen all pregnant women for the possibility of bearing a child suffering from spina bifida or any other diagnosable disease or disorder.
§ Mr. Barry JonesIt is now possible to detect, in utero, spina bifida and other neural tube defects and means of making a reliable routine screening service available are under consideration. Among studies proceeding is a major one led by Professor Hibbard of the Welsh National School of Medicine. Consultations with the professions concerned are also taking place. Screening is already available to those believed to be at high risk.