HC Deb 02 March 2004 vol 418 cc877-8W
Mr. Gordon Marsden

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research his Department has carried out into the causes of the change in the number of people suffering from allergies. [157277]

Dr. Ladyman

A range of research projects on the epidemiology of allergies have recently been completed or are ongoing. The International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) was formed in 1991. Phase one measured the prevalence of childhood asthma, hay fever and atopic eczema for international comparisons. Phase two began in 1998 and involves more intensive studies in a smaller number of countries. The Department funded the United Kingdom contribution to phase two.

King's College London has led a £2.1 million European Commission-funded prospective study of the incidence and prognosis of allergy, allergic disease and low lung function in adults living in Europe. King's College is also participating in the Global Allergy and Asthma European Network, launched on 12 February 2004. In addition, the University of Manchester is leading a £1.2 million EC-funded investigation of the prevalence, pathogenesis, treatment and prevention of sun allergy across Europe. Sun-provoked skin reactions are one of the commonest forms of allergy.

This European and international research activity will contribute to evidence on the possible causes of the increase in allergy rates in the United Kingdom and other European countries.

Mr. Gordon Marsden

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans his Department has for extending specialised allergy services in(a) England and Wales, (b) the North West and (c) Blackpool. [157278]

Dr. Ladyman

It is the responsibility of primary care trusts, in partnership with other local stakeholders, to determine how best to use their funds to provide health services for their populations, including those with allergies.

Mr. Gordon Marsden

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many(a) adults and (b) children have been recorded as suffering from allergies in (i) England and Wales, (ii) the North West and (iii) Blackpool in each of the last five years for which figures are available. [157279]

Dr. Ladyman

The information requested is not held centrally. Last year, in its report, "Allergy—the unmet need: a blueprint for better patient care", the Royal College of Physicians estimated that around one in six of the population is affected by allergy.