§ Lord Clement-Jonesasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the Department of Health is currently collecting and holding centrally information on the incidence of autism among children as recommended by the House of Commons Health Select Committee in February 1997. [HL3475]
§ Baroness HaymanThe Department of Health does not currently collect and hold centrally information on the incidence of autism among children. It would be difficult to collect meaningful information because of the lack of a widely agreed definition of autism. It is for the local statutory authorities to determine the needs of children with autism in their area and work together effectively to ensure that these needs are met.