§ Mr. BettsTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to provide funding for the research into the genetic disease alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency. [6087]
§ Mr. HoramA major part of the biomedical research in this country and abroad is directed towards a better understanding of metabolic diseases such as alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. The main agency through which the Government support biomedical and clinical research is the Medical Research Council, which is the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Trade. The Medical Research Council is always open to receiving proposals for new research initiatives.
§ Mr. BettsTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to introduce a screening programme for the genetic disease alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. [6088]
§ Mr. HoramAlpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is one of many inborn errors of metabolism which are currently being considered as potential extensions to the existing neonatal screening programme—currently covering phenylketonuria and congenital hypothyroidism. The national health service executive research and development health technology assessment programme has commissioned two complementary systematic reviews of neonatal screening for inborn errors of metabolism. These reviews are considering the wider range of disorders in terms of screening effectiveness, cost and acceptability to parents.
375WThe reviews are due to be completed early in 1997, after which the reports will be presented to the national screening committee, chaired by the Chief Medical Officer. Evidence from these reports, and evidence from 376W any other robust research, will be considered by the committee before making any recommendations to the NHS executive board and Ministers about change to the neonatal screening programme.