§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what is his estimate of the number of persons suffering from Huntington's chorea who are currently resident in local authority homes for the younger physically handicapped;
(2) if he will ask health authorities and local authorities to notify him of all persons suffering from Huntington's chorea for whom they are providing residential care in order to assist the development of appropriate care for them and also greater knowledge of the incidence of the disease; and if he will make a statement;
(3) what is the estimate of the number of persons suffering from Huntington's chorea who are currently in-patients in psychiatric hospitals or psychiatric wards of general hospitals;
(4) what is his estimate of the number of persons suffering from Huntington's chorea who are currently in-patients in 104W geriatric hospitals or geriatric wards in general hospitals;
(5) what is his estimate of the number of persons suffering from Huntington's chorea who are currently in-patients in young chronic sick units;
(6) what is his estimate of the number of persons suffering from Huntington's chorea who are currently resident in local authority homes for the elderly.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisEstimates of the number of people suffering from Huntington's chorea in the United Kingdom vary from 3,000 to 6,000. Information about the numbers in local authority homes and hospitals is not collected centrally.
I am aware of my hon. Friend's concern but could not justify asking authorities for additional statistics on persons suffering from Huntington's chorea. Their needs are in practice met on an individual basis by a wide range of services and cash benefits. The illness takes many different forms and varies as it progresses. Moreover, the pattern of symtoms differs from patient to patient.
As my hon. Friend may know, I recently approved a grant of £5,000 to the Association to Combat Huntington's Chorea to help pay its administrative expenses. I have also approved a further grant towards the production of leaflets designed to aid the families of sufferers as well as social and health workers and members of the general public who help them. My Department has been supporting research into the care of people with Huntington's chorea, and further research needs in this area are currently under consideration.