§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if the survey into toxoplasmosis in pregnancy will be a material factor in determining whether or not a United Kingdom wide screening programme for toxoplasmosis in pregnancy is to be undertaken;
(2) what are the terms of reference of the survey being undertaken by the public health laboratory service into toxoplasmosis in pregnancy; what is the extent of the survey; how many pregnant women are involved; how the service is funded; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. SackvilleThis survey began as a study of antenatal sera for the presence of antibodies to toxoplasmosis, but since 1992 has followed up the level of compliance with antenatal screening offered to pregnant women. The survey invites reports from other public health laboratories. The public health laboratory service is funded by the Department of Health.
Results from the survey will not alone determine whether a United Kingdom-wide screening programme for toxoplasmosis in pregnancy should be introduced, but they will help to provide some of the information required in assessing whether such a programme might be appropriate. Other factors are important and are subject to a reliable screening test being developed.