HC Deb 24 February 1949 vol 461 cc2002-3
21. Sir W. Smithers

asked the Minister of Health if he will state, in some detail, what provision is made through the National Health Service for the treatment of Parkinson's disease; and what treatment centres now exist.

Mr. Bevan

Treatment is given by general practitioners and hospitals; as part of the National Health Service.

Sir W. Smithers

Is the Minister aware that there is no centre, and that there is an alleged cure for this disease in America? Will he get some American specialists over here to treat this problem.

Mr. Bevan

It is undesirable for hon. Members to awaken hopes among people in this country who suffer from this disease by making statements of that sort. If there is a cure for Parkinson's disease in the world, we shall get it as soon as anybody else.

Mr. Godfrey Nicholson

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a man in Germany claims that he has a cure for this disease, and will he, at any rate, take such steps as are necessary so that sufferers from this disease will know that the Ministry of Health are fully aware of this, and are looking into it?

Mr. Bevan

There are claims made by people that they have cures for all kinds of diseases all over the world. We cannot give attention to every claim which is made, but if there is a prima facie case for investigation it is always immediately undertaken. That case in Germany is being investigated.

Sir W. Smithers

Is there any cure for "Bevanitis"?