§ Rev. Ian Paisleyasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland why Naudicelle is not available on the National Health Service in Northern 472W Ireland; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Carter,pursuant to his reply [Official Report,20th June 1977; Vol. 933, c. 355–6], gave the following information:
Independent medical experts have advised that the evidence is insufficient to justify regarding linoleic acid, the basic ingredient of Naudicelle capsules, as having a therapeutic effect on multiple sclerosis. Linoleic acid, its compounds and derivatives, therefore, cannot be regarded as medicines that may be supplied in the United Kingdom at Health Service expense to multiple sclerosis patients who are living at home and being treated by a family doctor.
Naturally I understand the hon. Member's interest in this subject. I understand that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services will be writing to him setting out the full position.
§ Rev. Ian Paisleyasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he has to establish diagnostic centres in Northern Ireland for multiple sclerosis.
§ Mr. Carter,pursuant to his reply [Official Report,20th June 1977; Vol. 933, c. 355–6], gave the following information:
None. Facilities already exist within the health service to diagnose this disease.
§ Rev. Ian Paisleyasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what amount of money has been made available from Government funds for research in Northern Ireland into multiple sclerosis in the last 12 months; and how much will be available in the next 12 months.
§ Mr. Carter,pursuant to his reply [Official Report,20th June 1977; Vol. 933, c. 355-6], gave the following information:
Amounts totalling £58,000 have been made available from Government funds in the last 12 months for research in Northern Ireland into multiple sclerosis. The provision during the next 12 months will be at least £61,000, but the final figure is not yet known.
§ Rev. Ian Paisleyasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what plans he 473W has for the provision of more physiotherapeutic help for sufferers of multiple sclerosis in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. Carter,pursuant to his reply [Official Report,20th June 1977; Vol. 933, c. 356], gave the following information:
Physiotherapeutic help is available at physiotherapy departments in hospitals in Northern Ireland. The present policy is to ensure as far as possible that the number of students in training in the physiotherapy profession is commensurate with the prospective job opportunities in the Health Service.