HC Deb 13 March 1995 vol 256 cc406-7W
Mr. Alex Carlile

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many cases of autism have been recorded for each year since 1990.

Mr. Bowis

This information is not available centrally. It is estimated that the prevalence rate of classic autism is between 0.04 and 0.05 per cent. of the population and that about 0.21 per cent. may exhibit some features of autism.

Mr. Alex Carlile

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the cost of autism treatment in the NHS for each year since 1990; and what is the projected cost for 1995.

Mr. Bowis

This information is not available centrally. District health authorities are funded for purchasing health services for people with autism through their general allocations.

The table shows expenditure on the purchase of health care for people with learning disabilities, which includes autism, by health authorities in England. Expenditure for 1990–91 is not available.

Year £
1991–92 936,503,244
1992–93 1,068,035,565
1993–94 1,132,665,837