§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what data has been collected by her Department in relation to the prevalence of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.
§ Mr. BowisThe Department does not collect information on prevalence of conditions. Arrangements for assessing and meeting the needs of sufferers from anorexia and bulimia nervosa are matters for health authorities locally.
§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what official guidance her Department has issued to general practitioners or health authorities regarding the recognition of, and treatment for, anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa.
§ Mr. BowisHealth authorities have been advised in the mental illness key area handbook to consider the need to provide access to specialist in-patient facilities for eating disorders on a sub-regional basis and making available family and cognitive therapy as part of their purchasing decisions. No specific further advice has been issued by the Department to general practitioners.