HC Deb 16 January 1990 vol 165 cc191-2W
Mr. Redmond

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will list the National Health Service centres that do not charge patients for gamete intra-fallopian transfer treatment;

(2) if he will list the National Health Service centres that do not provide full National Health Service funding to National Health Service patients for gamete intra-fallopian transfer treatment and the cost per centre.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

This information is not held centrally.

Mr. Redmond

To ask the Secretary of State for Health why payments are required from National Health Service patients for the cost of gamete intra-fallopian transfer treatment at some National Health Service centres.

Mrs. Virginia Bottomley

Gamete intra-fallopian transfer (GIFT) is a relatively new technique used in the treatment of infertility and is available in only a few centres. Treatment under the National Health Service, including that for infertility, is provided free of charge. In addition, in some NHS hospitals GIFT may be provided as part of an academic research programme when patients may be asked to contribute to its costs.