HC Deb 25 June 1976 vol 913 cc465-6W
Mr. Cryer

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will make a statement on the research undertaken by his Department on the effectiveness of the treatment for retinitis pigmentosa by the Helmholtz Institute in children and young persons from the United Kingdom; how many persons were examined (a) before and (b) after treatment; what was the period of time elapsing between examinations; what were the results; and what conclusions were drawn;

(2) if he will institute a programme of research to assess the effectiveness of the Helmholtz Institute treatment on those persons who have are or will be receiving treatment there for retinitis pigmentosa.

Dr. Owen

The number of United Kingdom citizens who have received treatment at the Helmholtz Institute is too small to form the basis of a research programme. However, specialists at the institute are themselves seeking to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment in retinitis pigmentosa, although in their opinion it is still too early to draw conclusions about its value. My Department intends to remain in touch with the institute on this matter.