Written question asked by Gordon Prentice (Labour) on Tuesday, 31 October 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 13 November 2000. It was answered by Yvette Cooper (Labour) on Monday, 13 November 2000 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, for what reason Huntingdon's disease was selected as a condition which could be the subject of inquiry by insurance companies in deciding whether or not to offer insurance cover; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Gordon Prentice: To ask the Secretary of State for Health for what reason Huntingdon's disease was selected as a condition which could be the subject of inquiry by insurance companies in deciding whether or not to offer insurance cover; and if he will make a statement. [136553] Yvette Cooper: The Genetics and Insurance committee was established in 1999 by the United Kingdom Government to develop a procedure for assessing the scientific and actuarial relevance of genetic tests currently being used in insurance risk assessment and to evaluate each test against the criteria agreed. The application from the Association of British Insurers for consideration of two genetic tests for Huntingdon's Disease in life insurance was the first application to be received by the Genetics and Insurance Committee. The Genetics and Insurance Committee concluded that the scientific and actuarial evidence was sufficient for the results of these two tests to continue to be taken into account in setting insurance premiums. The Human Genetics Commission has been asked to look at the wider social and ethical issues involved in the use of genetic data in insurance. The GAIC decision does not pre-empt that wider consideration.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 356 c564W; 136553
Session: 1999-00
Subjects: Genetics Insurance companies Insurance Testing Huntington's disease
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk