HC Deb 01 July 1999 vol 334 cc270-1W
Dr. Iddon

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) by what means recipients of Health Service Circular 1999/101 were informed that it had been withdrawn; [88002]

(2) if he will list the recipients of Health Service Circular 1999/101 prior to its withdrawal on 20 April; [88001]

(3) when he proposes to publish a new National Health Service circular on the use of beta-interferon in the treatment of multiple sclerosis to replace Health Service Circular 1999/101; [88191]

(4) if the proposed health service circular on the use of beta-interferon in the treatment of multiple sclerosis will distinguish between its value in treating relapsing/ remitting multiple sclerosis and secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. [88190]

Mr. Denham

Advance copies of draft Health Service Circular 1999/999, which was due to be issued on 20 April 1999 as Health Service Circular 1999/101, were sent to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, the three manufacturers of beta-interferon, and the National Health Service (Regional Directors of Public Health and Regional Prescribing Leads, who were invited to forward the draft circular to health authorities).

Owing to concerns expressed by some of the recipients of the draft circular, it was not issued on 20 April. The NHS was informed of this by way of a letter from the NHS Executive's Acting Medical Director, Dr. Sheila Adam. Copies of this letter are available in the Library. I also refer my hon. Friend to the statement made in the House by my right hon. Friend the President of the Council on 22 April 1999, Official Report, columns 1055–56.

The Department plans to consult interested parties shortly on a revised draft health service circular on beta-interferon. The contents of the circular that is subsequently issued will take into account comments received during the consultation period.

Jane Griffiths

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to make beta-interferon available on the NHS for progressive MS; and what funding is to be made available to health authorities for it. [88737]

Mr. Denham

Beta-interferon may be made available on the National Health Service, but the costs of prescribing it are expected to be met within health authority allocations.