§ Mr. Alfred MorrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) why there is no national screening programme for babies with neuroblastoma; and what is his estimate of the average cost to the National Health Service of treating cases of neuroblastoma;
(2) what study his Department has made of the routine screening of babies for neuroblastoma in other countries.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyIt has yet to be demonstrated that a screening service reduces mortality from neuroblastoma. The Department keeps research and development in this field at home and abroad under regular review. Comprehensive information on the costs of treatment for this condition is not available, but it has been estimated that in one region these are about £45,000 per case.