HC Deb 19 February 1980 vol 979 c144W
Mr. Pawsey

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is now prepared to make Naudicelle capsules available to multiple sclerosis sufferers through the National Health Service.

Dr. Vaughan

The circumstances in which substances of a primarily nutritional nature may be regarded as "drugs" and, therefore, prescribable by family doctors at National Health Service expense, are kept under review by the advisory committee on borderline substances, an independent professional body which advises the medical profession and the Health Departments.

At its most recent meeting, the advisory committee reaffirmed its earlier conclusion that there is insufficient evidence to justify regarding dietary supplements containing lincleic acid, or its derivatives such as Naudicelle, as having a therapeutic effect in the management of multiple sclerosis.

When fresh scientific evidence appears about dietary supplements in relation to multiple sclerosis it will, of course, be placed before the advisory committee without delay.