§ Mr. HoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what level of funding for research into myalgic encephalomyelitis his Department has made; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. CurrieThe main agency through which the Government support medical research is the Medical Research Council which receives a grant in aid from the Department of Education and Science. I understand that although the Medical Research Council does not directly fund any research in myalgic encephalomyelitis it does support some work in immune responses to muscle, nerve cells and related structures which may be relevant to the understanding and treatment of this condition.
The Department is not funding any research into myalgic encephalomyelitis.
§ Mr. HoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what account he takes in allocating resources to the National Health Service of advice from the medical profession as to whether myalgic encephalomyelitis should be recognised as an illness; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. CurrieMost people suffering from myalgic encephalomyelitis are treated by their general medical practitioners.
The funding of the NHS takes account of total demand and is not based on individual illnesses treated.
§ Mr. HoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if his Department has had any discussions with the authorities in other countries concerning the illness myalgic encephalomyelitis.
§ Mrs. CurrieThe Department keeps closely in touch with relevant developments in other countries.