§ Mrs. Bridget PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what evidence has been presented to her Department about the incidence of asthma and other respiratory illnesses in the London borough of Lewisham.
§ Mr. SackvilleNone, as far as I am aware.
§ Mrs. Bridget PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how she proposes to protect the health of asthma sufferers in London; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. SackvilleWhilst no specific initiative is proposed for London, last July the Department of Health launched the chronic disease management programme, which is an organised programme of care run by general practitioners for people with asthma. The national health service management executive wrote to health authorities, GP purchasers and hospital providers last December, EL(93)115, asking them to work towards providing services based on the British Thoracic Society's "Guidelines on the Management of Asthma". Copies are available in the Library.
In 1992–93 the Medical Research Council, which receives its grant-in-aid from the office of my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, spent £1.5 million on research into asthma and areas which may be relevant to the condition. Moreover, we attach high importance to the prompt and appropriate treatment of people with asthma.
§ Mrs. Bridget PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what is her policy concerning the allocation of resources to the treatment and prevention of asthma; and what studies her Department has made of its incidence in childhood.
§ Mr. SackvilleThe care of asthma patients is provided for through resources made available to the national health service.
It is for individual health authorities to determine the level of service provision required to meet the needs of people with asthma in their area. Priorities are determined in the light of local circumstances.