§ Mr. AmessTo ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects to issue a new health service circular in respect of multiple sclerosis. [89850]
§ Mr. DenhamIn April we sent advance copies of a draft health service circular on beta-interferon to the MS Society and drug manufacturers. The draft circular was withdrawn as soon as it became clear that the circular had not been interpreted as we had intended. We plan to consult the MS Society, the pharmaceutical industry, the medical profession and health authorities on a revised draft circular. The revised draft circular will make it clear that it relates to the use of beta-interferon for secondary progressive multiple sclerosis, and that existing guidance on the use of beta-interferon for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis [EL(95)97] continues to apply.