The fourth King's Fund Forum was held in London from 30 November to 2 December 1987. A panel of twelve listened to evidence from experts in public sessions. After closed sessions the panel discussed the report with the audience; the agreed consensus statement was then presented at a press conference. The five questions addressed were: 1) what kinds of screening and diagnostic tests are possible for genetic and congenital disorders?; 2) what are the benefits and costs of these tests?; 3) what social and ethical issues arise?; 4) what are the criteria for the provision of screening programmes?; 5) how are screening programmes organised and monitored?