To ask the Secretary of State for Health what advice has been sought by the East Surrey Health Authority from his Department in respect of providing services and treatment for multiple sclerosis. [65481]
No specific advice has been sought by East Surrey Health Authority. The organisation of health services and the manner in which they are delivered, including services for people suffering from multiple sclerosis, is a matter for health authorities.However, we are determined to challenge and address unacceptable variations in the provision of clinically and cost effective treatments, which are not based on the health needs of the local populations.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the Government's policy on the provision of Beta-interferon for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. [65488]
Current guidance on Betaferon (Beta-Interferon-1b) recommends tht health authorities will have in place local arrangements with hospitals for purchasing and prescribing the drug in the light of medical evidence and local priorities.
| Appointed by voluntary organisations | |||
| Name | Organisation | First appointed | Terms |
| Until 31 August 2000 | |||
| Ms Evelyn Brand | League of Jewish Women | 1 September 1996 | First |
| Ms Jean Coops | Citizen's Advice Bureau | 1 September 1996 | First |
| Ms Rhoda Flynn | Barnet Mencap | 1 September 1996 | First |
| Ms Mary Leigh | Disablement Association | 1 September 1996 | First |
| Until 31 August 2002 | |||
| Ms Ruth Rees | Alzheimer's Disease Society | 1 October 1995 | First/Second |
| Ms Jean McEvoy | Barnet Borough Sight Impaired | 1 September 1998 | First |
| Mr. John Chappell | Barnet Carers Centre | 1 September 1998 | First |
| Ms Suzanne Collins | Mental Health Consultative Group | 1 May 1996 | First/Second |
| Appointed by the Secretary of State for Health | ||
| Name | Date appointed | Terms |
| Until 31 August 2000 | ||
| Ms Sally Malin | 1 September 1996 | First |
| Ms Elizabeth Manero | 5 February 1995 | Second |
| Until 31 August 2002 | ||
| Helen Barget | 1 November 1998 | First |
| Mrs. Janet Friend | 1 September 1998 | First |