§ Ms. LynneTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) which health authorities provide(a) full funding and (b) partial funding for pregnant women to undergo the Bart's test for Down's syndrome;
(2) how many pregnant women have had the Bart's test for Down's syndrome in the last two years; and if she will break down the figure by age group;
(3) what information she has on the availability of the Bart's test through (a) non-trust hospitals and (b) self-governing trust hospitals; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. SackvilleThis information is not collected centrally.
§ Ms. LynneTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidelines her Department has issued on the use or sale of the Bart's test for pregnant women for Down's syndrome.
§ Mr. SackvilleThe provision of advice to clinicians and practitioners on medical procedures is a matter for the professional bodies concerned. No specific guidance has been issued by the Department in respect of biochemical screening for Down's syndrome.