Mr. Tom Ellisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he has received any petitions signed by United Kingdom citizens complaining of the lack of provision of homoeopathic medical treatment in any part of the United Kingdom; and what action he intends to take.
§ Mr. MoyleI have received several letters recently about the availability of homoeopathic treatment in various parts of England. Any doctor who wishes to68W do so may provide homoeopathic treatment, but the availability of general practitioner services depends on where a doctor with an interest in this branch of medicine practises. I have no power to direct a doctor to prescribe a particular form of treatment, nor would it be appropriate for me to have such a power. The provision of hospital facilities is a matter for the appropriate health authority to determine in the light of local needs and priorities and I have no plans to alter these arrangements.