§ Sir Ian LloydTo ask the Secretary of State for Health whether, in view of the recent allocation of additional funds for research and development, he will change the criteria of the supra-regional services advisory group to include laboratory services as well as clinical services and take steps to promote recognition of the supra-regional services in the field of genetic metabolic diseases at Guy's hospital.
§ Mr. FreemanNo. The present arrangements for designating and funding supra-regional services were agreed after extensive discussions between the Department, regional health authorities and the joint consultants committee. I would not expect changes to the supra-regional services except those that may occur as a result of the implementation of the White Paper "Working for Patients".
§ Sir Ian LloydTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what arrangements have been made within the National Health Service to diagnose and treat patients with genetic diseases after the closure of the purine research laboratory at Guy's hospital in March;
(2) what information he has about the availability in other western European countries of diagnostic and research services related to purine disorders; and whether it is his intention that work in this field should continue in the United Kingdom;
(3) what arrangements he is making to ensure that after the closure of the purine research laboratory at Guy's hospital in March the work now being done to achieve the first human gene implant involving the purine disorder adenosine deaminase deficiency will be continued.
§ Mr. FreemanPurine disorders include a wide range of metabolic diseases (e.g. phenylkelonuria, gout). It is likely that most western European medical teaching centres provide some diagnostic and research facilities for diseases included in this category. In this country decisions as to facilities for diagnosis are a matter for local health authorities in the light of their assessment of local needs and priorities. The main Government agency for the promotion of medical research is the Medical Research Council. I understand that they are conducting research into purine.
808WNo firm decision has yet been taken on the cessation of the diagnostic and treatment service provided by the purine research laboratory at Guy's hospital. The laboratory's research work, which is separately funded through grants, is continuing.