§ 22. Mr. Silvesterasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what research projects he is supporting into the uses of single-chamber hyperbaric oxygen beds; what is the cost of his contribution; and when he expects the results to be available.
§ Mr. EnnalsNone, Sir, at present. My Department has invited and would welcome proposals for the evaluation of therapy associated with equipment of this nature by controlled clinical trials but no scientifically acceptable proposal has so far been received.
§ Mr. SilvesterHas not the Minister received proposals—for example, from Westminster Hospital—and has not the hospital asked for the Minister, if he is unsatisfied with these proposals, to put forward proposals with which he would be satisfied?
§ Mr. EnnalsOnly one such proposal has been put forward, and that is not entirely satisfactory. We would welcome proposals for the evaluation of therapy from hospitals.
§ Sir J. Vaughan-MorganWill the Minister of State look at this matter again and consult the Secretary of State, who last Wednesday saw a hyperbaric bed in use and realised that very valuable work is being done?
§ Mr. EnnalsI do not think it is disputed that very valuable work is being done. This matter is being reviewed by the Medical Research Council, which is the main Government agency for the promotion of medical research of this kind. There is a newly established working party which is studying this question.