Mark Simmonds (Shadow Minister, Health; Boston & Skegness, Conservative)

I have one or two questions for the Minister about counselling and the circumstances in which it should be offered. I certainly do not believe that counselling should be mandatory, but it should be offered and it should be effective. It is important that counselling is provided by skilled professionals who are experienced in such matters, so I have some questions.

Do counsellors working in this field have specialised training or expertise, or are they counsellors in other  areas as well? Is there a division between counsellors who work with people undergoing treatment and counsellors who work with those who have donated gametes? Are they different kinds of counsellors who require different training, or do they come from the same generic group of individuals? Is there any charge for the counselling service? If so, is it merely a charge to recoup the costs, or is it a revenue-generating exercise as well? Finally, are the guidelines set by the HFEA, or is it up to each individual clinic to set its own guidelines?

Dawn Primarolo (Minister of State (Public Health), Department of Health; Bristol South, Labour)

On the question of the fee, the cost of counselling is covered in the cost of the treatment services—it is all wrapped up. On the question of who sets the guidelines, a code of practice is set as guidance for clinics on how to offer counselling. The code states specifically that patients need to be aware of the offer, that it needs to be routine, that it should include written information and that it should give the names of qualified counsellors in the area, who may also have wider qualifications. The counsellor’s role needs to be explained, as well as when they are available and how to access the service. Obviously, there should be no pressure to accept counselling, but sufficient time should be given to consider the offer.

I am afraid that I do not know the answer to the hon. Gentleman’s question about the division of counsellors’ roles, so I will have to write to him. The HFEA sets the code of practice, counselling is included within the cost of treatment, and counsellors need to be specialised. I will respond to his last point as soon as I can.