§ Lord Clement-Jonesasked Her Majesty's Government:
What estimates they have made as to the number of patients with multiple sclerosis who have been treated using beta interferon as a result of the risk sharing scheme announced in February 2002; and [HL1911]
How many patients in England are currently on waiting lists for treatment with beta interferon for multiple sclerosis; and [HL1912]
How many patient care trusts have still to implement in whole or in part the risk sharing scheme for beta interferon. [HL1913]
§ Lord Hunt of Kings HeathWe estimate that around 4,600 patients are now receiving treatment with a disease-modifying drug for their multiple sclerosis. Around 2,800 patients were receiving treatment at the start of 2002. We do not have information about numbers waiting to be assessed. We do not hold precise details about the way in which primary care trusts are implementing the scheme, but strategic health authorities have been asked to ensure that they have robust arrangements in place to meet their statutory responsibilities.