§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what information has been collected by her Department on levels of funding for NHS infertility treatment over the past five years.
§ Mr. SackvilleDistrict health authorities and general practitioner fundholders are responsible for identifying the health needs of their local population and for commissioning the appropriate services. Details on the level of funding allocated for national health service infertility services in each area are not collected centrally.
§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidelines have been issued by her Department regarding the exchange of human ova for infertility treatment: and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. SackvilleThe Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority issued general directions on 1 August 1991 to licensed centres, entitled "Giving and receiving money or other benefits in respect of any supply of gametes or embryos". Copies of these directions—Ref.D.1991/2—will be placed in the Library.
These directions were issued under section 12 of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act 1990 which lists 359W the conditions that must be satisfied before a centre is granted a licence for treatment, storage and/or research under the Act.