HC Deb 28 July 1997 vol 299 cc80-1W
Dr. Starkey

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the policy of each health authority in respect of IVF treatment on the national health service, indicating those where patients(a) pay nothing, (b) pay for drugs only,(c) pay for some cycles and (d) meet all costs. [10351]

Ms Jowell

Arrangements for the funding of in vitro fertilisation are the responsibility of individual health authorities and the precise information requested is not available centrally. However, some useful information on health authority policies is contained in the College of Health report on national health service funding of infertility services commissioned by the national infertility awareness campaign—published November 1996. Copies will be placed in the Library.

The Government are reviewing their policy in this area in the context of the wider issue of variations in health service provision.