§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what research, for which he is responsible, is at present being undertaken in the United Kingdom into the causes and cure of epilepsy.
§ Mr. AlisonThe Medical Research Council, which is administered by the Department of Education and Science, is the main government agency for the promotion of Medical research and I would refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Science to my hon. Friend the Member for Middleton and Prestwich (Mr. Haselhurst) on 12th January, 1971.
My Department is not at present supporting any research specifically into epilepsy, but some of the research which it supports into the care of mentally and physically handicapped children and adults may be applicable to the identification of problems of epilepsy.
There are several pieces of individual research into problems of epilepsy in the annual programmes for locally organised clinical research which are administered by the Regional Hospital Boards and Boards of Governors, with support from 62W central funds, although we do not have details.—[Vol. 809, c. 9–10.]
§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will consider increasing the provision of treatment for epilepsy under the National Health Service.
§ Mr. AlisonTreatment for epilepsy is provided by general practitioners and by those hospitals with appropriate consultant staff. The Government is considering in the light of recommendations made by an Advisory Committee, whether additional facilities are needed.