§ Mr. BoatengTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will publish in theOfficial Report the results of his survey of haemoglobinopathy services; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreemanThe analysis of district health authorities' responses to the Department's request for information on screening and counselling services for sickle cell and thalassaemic diseases in nearing completion. When the completed analysis has been studied, I will write to the hon. Member.
§ Mr. BoatengTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures he has proposed to co-ordinate the activities of the haemoglobinopathy charities; what plans he has for further action; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreemanOfficials of the Department separately met representatives of three of the national voluntary organisations concerned in September 1988 to discuss the possibility of a national umbrella body to co-ordinate the activities of the haemoglobinopathy charities. The voluntary bodies concerned expressed doubts about the usefulness of such a body. In view of the expressed lack of interest we have no plans to proceed further with these proposals.