RARE DISORDER AWARENESS WEEK 23 NOVEMBER - 30 NOVEMBER

Early day motion 167, tabled 12 January 1999 by Michael Jabez Foster (Labour). Signed by 38 members.

That this House welcomes the initiative of Contact a Family and the Rare Disorders Alliance in co-ordinating this week to raise awareness of the issues facing those living with rare disorders; notes that the European Commission has adopted a programme of community action on rare diseases within the framework of public health; further notes that most rare disorders, also known as orphan diseases, need special combined efforts to ensure that there is no great loss of quality of life or socio-economic potential for the individual; and further recognises the need for early diagnosis, access to relevant information and early referral to relevant medical specialists.

Signatures by party: Labour 24, Liberal Democrat 8, Labour/Co-operative 3, Conservative 1, Plaid Cymru 1, Scottish National Party 1.