HC Deb 31 March 1999 vol 328 cc822-3W
Mr. Lidington

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list those health authorities which do not make beta interferon available on the NHS to patients suffering from multiple sclerosis. [78451]

Mr. Denham

[holding answer 24 March 1999]: The information requested is not available. Guidance to the National Health Service was issued in November 1995 asking health authorities to develop and implement local arrangements to manage the entry of this drug.

Dr. Cable

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list those health authorities in the United Kingdom which prescribe beta interferon to treat MS sufferers. [78994]

Mr. Denham

The information requested is not available, since the majority of beta interferon prescribing should take place in hospitals and hospital prescribing and dispensing data are not held centrally.