Two main issues are currently being addressed. First, the Government conducted a survey of in vitro fertilisation provision in all primary care trusts. A copy of that survey has been placed in the Library today. That is part of the Department’s regular monitoring of IVF provision and tracking of progress towards the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence’s recommendations. Secondly, the Infertility Network UK, which is funded by the Department for that activity, is identifying and establishing standard access criteria to fertility treatment.
I very much welcome that statement. As my right hon. Friend knows, next month is the 30th anniversary of the birth of the first test-tube baby. Will she consider marking that by ensuring an end to the postcode lottery that still exists in access to treatment and by increasing entitlement to three rounds of treatment on the NHS, as recommended by NICE?
As my hon. Friend is well aware—she has campaigned extensively in her constituency and in the House—the local NHS takes decisions about the treatment that it provides for its local communities and identifies priorities. In my view, we will reach the NICE recommendations when the local NHS acknowledges the fact that one in seven adults experiences difficulties with fertility, and makes the provision of fertility treatment services a higher priority. Members of Parliament have an important role in discussions with their PCTs, which do a difficult job in trying to reflect local criteria and priorities.
The Minister will know that IVF treatment was suspended in Northamptonshire because of lack of money. Northamptonshire is the worst funded primary care trust in the whole country in respect of the national capitation formula, so the suggestion that it is up to local PCTs to decide on IVF treatment is a little unfair when the problem is the lack of Government money going to Northamptonshire.
That is simply not true. I know that the hon. Gentleman has made representations and that he is very clear in making them for his constituents, but he will also know that his PCT is within the 3.5 band in terms of funding. I have to tell him, in view of the different number of cycles offered, that one of the big debates that remains to be concluded across the country is whether the provision of IVF treatment is a priority for local health services that is equal to other priorities. That matter can be settled locally when it is made clear that the provision of IVF services is important. The hon. Gentleman’s PCT provides other services that it also believes are important, so we need to ensure that equal priority is given.