Written question asked by Andrew Mackinlay (Labour) on Friday, 27 June 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 16 July 2003. It was answered by Stephen Ladyman (Labour) on Wednesday, 16 July 2003 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will make a statement about measures being taken to reduce the risk of babies being infected by Group B streptococcus; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Andrew Mackinlay: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement about measures being taken to reduce the risk of babies being infected by Group B streptococcus; and if he will make a statement. [123057] Dr. Ladyman: The UK National Screening Committee (NSC) makes recommendations to Ministers on all aspects of screening programmes. The NSC has advised that there is insufficient evidence to demonstrate that routine screening of all pregnant women in the United Kingdom and treating those carrying Group B Streptococcus with intravenous antibiotics during labour would be beneficial. The NSC has however commissioned an assessment of the existing evidence on screening against the criteria used to assess potential screening programmes. At the adjournment debate on this issue on 9 July 2003, Ministers asked the NSC to review the position thoroughly as quickly as possible and to consider recommendations at its meeting in December 2003.

Secondary information