HC Deb 29 May 1952 vol 501 cc173-4W
30. Mr. C. Hughes

asked the Minister of Health if he is now in a position to state whether the experiments into the use of the drug cortisone have been completed; and when the drug is likely to be available for the treatment of arthritis and allied ailments through the National Health Service.

Mr. Iain Macleod

A fair appraisal of the value of cortisone will require much longer trial than has yet been possible. The number of special centres at which the drug is provided under the National Health Service has been increased recently from 55 to 70, and supplies have been made available to other hospitals for treatment of certain eye conditions.