§ Mr. HarveyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) when he will receive the third set of guidelines from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists on the provision of specialised infertility services; [108122]
(2) what have been the findings of his Department's survey to ascertain the current provision of infertility services; [108123]
(3) if he will make it his policy to ensure that equality of access to infertility services is provided throughout England; [108124]
(4) what guidelines he plans to issue to health authorities on the provision of infertility services. [108125]
§ Yvette CooperThe Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists published its final set of guidelines on the provision of specialised infertility services on 20 January 2000. The Department has copies.
The survey returns are still being analysed. The conclusions will be published shortly.
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While the Government have already set their priorities for the National Health Service in the immediate future (cancer, coronary heart disease, mental health) we remain committed to ending the postcode lottery for all services in the National Health Service. We will therefore be working towards greater equity in access to services within available resources over the coming years.
There are no immediate plans to issue guidance to health authorities on infertility services.