§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will consider making infertility a recognised sub-specialty in the National Health Service.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergThis is a matter for the medical profession, but I am advised that investigation of the infertile couple may involve a number of medical and surgical disciplines.
§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he is satisfied with the present facilities available under the National Health Service for providing services to infertile couples; what improvements he envisages; and if he will make a statement;
(2) how many specialised clinics there are within the National Health Service which seek to provide services for infertile couples; where these are located; and how many patients they cater for.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergInformation on infertility services is not collected centrally, but I understand that such treatment would normally be available at any hospital providing consultant gynaecological services. It is for local health authorities to decide what services are required to meet local needs and to assess whether improvements in existing provision are necessary.