§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what advice he has received from professional bodies on the use of silicone breast implants; [72523]
(2) what advice he has received from his scientific advisers on the long-term effects on the human body of silicone breast implants. [72524]
§ Ms JowellIn response to continuing concerns expressed by some implanted women, an Independent Review Group was set up by the Chief Medical Officer in May 1997 to review the possible health issues associated with silicone gel breast implants and to examine the issues relating to pre-operative patient information. The members of the group were selected for their independent views, their knowledge and understanding of the issues and lack of any vested interest in the conclusions reached. The group reported back to the Chief Medical Officer in July 1998 and a copy of that report is available in the Library.
The Independent Review Group took evidence from various organisations and individuals, including a representative of the British Association of Plastic Surgeons and the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, and a representative of the British Association of Cosmetic Surgeons. Subsequent to the group's report, the Royal College of Surgeons has agreed to develop multidisciplinary clinical standards for breast implant surgery.
§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the safety of silicone breast implants. [72522]
§ Ms JowellIn July 1998, the Independent Review Group on silicone gel breast implants concluded that, on the basis of the information available, silicone gel breast implants were not associated with any greater health risk than other surgical implants.
Copies of the group's full report are available in the Library.