§ Mr. Pawseyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the maximum incubation period for acquired immune deficiency syndrome.
§ Mr. HayhoeMedical experts have suggested that the maximum incubation period for full clinical AIDS could be seven years or longer.
§ Mr. Pawseyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps he has taken to satisfy himself as to the adequacy of the level of resources currently devoted to combating the threat posed by acquired immune deficiency syndrome; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HayhoeMy officials are in close touch with the three Thames regional health authorities which are treating the majority of United Kingdom acquired immune deficiency syndrome cases. The information they have provided has helped the Department assess the resource implications of the AIDS infection. I refer my hon. Friend to my right hon. Friend's reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Chislehurst (Mr. Sims) on 2 December 1985 at columns1–2 which outlined the new government money being provided this year and next year. This included allocations for the three Thames regions and haemophilia reference centres which are carrying an exceptional AIDS workload.
§ Mr. Pawseyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what level of resources his Department plans to devote to combating acquired immune deficiency syndrome in each year till 1990; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HayhoeMy right hon. Friend has already announced on 2 December at columns1–2 that the Government are allocating some £6.3 million in 1986–87 for spending on public education on, and prevention and treatment of, acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). As the number of cases of AIDS will increase at least for some years, the Government will keep under close review the levels of expenditure needed in succeeding years. It is too soon, however, to make reliable estimates of the sums that would be involved.