§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what research is undertaken by his Department(a) directly and (b) indirectly into combat-induced post-traumatic stress disorder; and if he will indicate for (b) the organisations involved and the total funding provided. [10546]
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThe Scottish Office Department of Health is not undertaking any research, either directly or indirectly, into combat-induced post-traumatic stress disorder.
§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what provision is made by his Department90W for the treatment of combat-induced post-traumatic stress disorder; [10544]
(2) what provision is made by his Department for respite care for sufferers of combat-induced post traumatic stress disorder; [10547]
(3) what estimate he has made of the number of ex-service (a) men and (b) women in Scotland suffering from combat-induced post-traumatic stress disorder. [10545]
Lord James Douglas HamiltonHealth boards in Scotland are responsible for purchasing health services to meet the needs of their resident populations. Services are purchased nationally only in the case of a few rare highly specialist treatments. These do not include services for people suffering post-traumatic stress disorder.
The Scottish Office Department of Health has not, therefore, specifically assessed the numbers suffering, nor has it made specific provision for treatment of, or respite care for, people suffering from this condition. These are matters for health boards.