HC Deb 01 July 1999 vol 334 cc275-6W
Mr. Swayne

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to increase the number of allergy clinics. [88657]

Mr. Hutton

Officials from the Department recently met representatives of the relevant professional and patient representative bodies to discuss the future of allergy services; possible action will be discussed at a follow-up meeting to be arranged. It is, however, the responsibility of individual health authorities to assess the health care needs of their residents and to secure access to a range of services which aim to meet those needs. Each health authority therefore decides how great the need for a local allergy clinic is, based on local priorities and resources.