Irritable Bowel Syndrome (Hansard, 21 March 1997)

§ Mr. Mackinlay
To ask the Secretary of State for Health what support his Department gives to(a) voluntary and (b) self-help groups relating to irritable bowel syndrome. [21557]

§ Mr. Horam
The Department of Health awarded the British Digestive Association, which provides advice and information on a number of gastroenterological conditions, a grant of £18,000 for 1996–97, 1997–98 and 1998–99.

§ Mr. Mackinlay
To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research his Department has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated into irritable bowel syndrome. [21556]

§ Mr. Horam
None.

§ Mr. Mackinlay
To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on current NHS funding for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. [21555]

§ Mr. Horam
It is for local health authorities to decide how best to allocate the resources available to them, taking into consideration the needs of the population served.