FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF MS RISK SHARING SCHEME

Early day motion 1145, tabled 6 May 2003 by Andrew George (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 45 members.

That this House welcomes the introduction, a year ago, of the National Health Service risk sharing scheme which provided for people with multiple sclerosis to receive treatment with beta interferons and glatiramer acetate while data on long-term effectiveness is gathered; shares the frustration of thousands of people with MS who could benefit from this treatment and who have not had access to these drugs a full year after the scheme was introduced; and believes that the Government should take steps to ensure all those meeting the criteria for treatment under guidelines set by the Association of British Neurologists are assessed and receiving treatment by the Department of Health's target date of November 2003.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 22, Labour 17, UUP 3, Conservative 1, Labour/Co-operative 1, Plaid Cymru 1.