§ Mr. ButlerTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what information he has on the reasons behind the apparent increase in the prevalence of asthma.
§ Mr. DorrellUnfortunately, and despite the availability of effective preventive therapy, the prevalence of asthma and the occurrence of acute asthma attacks has been rising. This is not a phenomenon confined to this country. New Zealand and the United States of America have seen similar increases. There are a number of possible reasons, including increased levels of pollution, but firm evidence that this is a cause of the increased prevalence of asthma is lacking.