HC Deb 27 July 1989 vol 157 cc922-3W
Mrs. Ann Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the number of cases of Alzheimer's disease in each health authority area in England in each of the last 10 years.

Mr. Freeman

The table shows admissions to NHS mental illness hospitals and units in each regional health authority in England for the years 1981 to 1986 with a main diagnosis of presenile or senile dementia (ICD 290 0, 290.1, 290.2, 290.3). Alzheimer's disease is included under these diagnosis. The admission figures may be greater than the number of patients treated, as a patient can be discharged and readmitted more than once during the year. Not all cases of Alzheimer's disease will be admitted to hospital. Additional information is not available centrally or could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

of prescriptions for contraceptive drugs and devices which were issued to children aged under 16 years in the last 12 months for which figures are available.

Mr. Freeman

The information is not available centrally.

Mrs. Ann Winterton

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent steps he has taken to ensure that fits guidelines for National Health Service doctors on the issuing of contraceptives to children aged under 16 years without parental knowledge are also followed by the personnel of the Brook Advisory Service and the Family Planning Association.

Mr. Freeman

Voluntary organisations in the family planning field have copies of the guidance issued in March 1986 and I have no reason to believe that the guidance is not being followed.

Mrs. Ann Winterton

To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether his Department has given any recent guidance to doctors about the action which they should take when approached by children under the age of 16 years who are the victims on incest and who are seeking contraceptives or abortions; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Freeman

No guidance on this specific point has been issued recently.