Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what information has been provided to him on the reason for the delay on publication of the National Institute for Health and Care Research research brief that will inform the UK National Screening Committee’s in-service evaluation of newborn screening for Spinal Muscular Atrophy.

My Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has been kept informed of the plans being developed for the in-service evaluation of newborn screening for spinal muscular atrophy, including the National Institute for Health and Care Research’s brief. The Department is working with NHS England on the deliverability of the in-service evaluation. The roll out and timeline will be confirmed after the conclusion of the 2025 Spending Review.