§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people were diagnosed with Huntington's chorea for each year since 1990; and what facilities for treatment are available.
§ Mr. YeoThe latest year for which figures are held is 1989–90. In that year there were 725 admissions to national health service hospitals of patients whose diagnosis was Huntington's chorea. There is no known cure for this disease; the full range of NHS treatment and nursing and social care is available to people suffering from it. Because it is an inherited condition, genetic counselling is available to help with decisions about having children.
§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what research has been commissioned into Huntington's chorea.
§ Mr. YeoThe Department of Health has not commissioned any research into Huntington's chorea. The Medical Research Council, which receives its grant in aid through the Office of Science and Technology, is the main Government agency for the promotion of medical and related biological research in this country. I understand that in the financial year 1991–92, the council's expenditure on research relevant to Huntington's chorea was £99,000. Other basic research funded by the council may, in part, have some relevance to Huntington's chorea. Universities and medical schools may also be funding relevant research.