§ Mrs. Joyce Butlerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what progress is being made by his Department's working group on back pain in examining the evidence of the efficacy of treatment of back pain by osteopaths, acupuncturists, and chiropractors; if randomised controlled trials are now being carried out; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MoyleThe Working Group on Back Pain, which is currently engaged in compiling an interim report, has received evidence, both written and oral, from a number of organisations representing chiropractors, osteopaths and acupuncturists. In view of the relative paucity of scientific research into these forms of back pain treatment, I understand that the working group is considering recommending the establishment of randomised controlled trials to evaluate both orthodox and unorthodox therapeutic techniques.