§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what information he has as to current research undertaken into the needs of the infertile in Wales; what Government funded research is being undertaken into infertility services in Wales; and how much Government cash has been allocated in the past eight years to the health authorities of Wales for National Health Service services for the infertile in Wales.
§ Mr. Grist[holding answer 9 May 1988]: The needs of the infertile in Wales are similar to those of the infertile elsewhere, and relevant research is being undertaken in many places throughout the world. Within the United Kingdom, the Medical Research Council, which receives the greater part of its funds from the Exchequer, supports a number of projects concerned with fertility, pregnancy and foetal development.
The development of infertility services is kept under constant view by the Welsh Office in co-operation with the health authorities, and relevant professional and other interests. Generally, it is for individual health authorities to determine what proportion of the funds they have been allocated should be spent on services for the infertile. We have, however, allocated special funds to South Glamorgan health authority under the centrally funded developments programme for the development of in vitro fertilisation and embryo transfer services, totalling £29,916 in 1986–87, £48,741 in 1987–88 and £93,935 in 1988–89.