HC Deb 10 February 1987 vol 110 c209W
Mrs. McCurley

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what progress his Department is making on research into the causes of, and treatment for, male infertility.

Mrs. Currie

Such research would be a matter for the Medical Research Council, which receives an annual grant in aid from the budget of the Department of Education and Science. Exploratory discussions have taken place involving officials from the Department and the council, which may in time lead to the commissioning of research in this field.

Mrs. McCurley

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will consider making funds available to each regional health authority to ensure the development of at least one fully equipped and specially recognised centre of excellence in infertility treatment within each region.

Mrs. Currie

It is for health authorities to decide how best to organise National Health Service infertility services in the light of local needs and priorities.