HC Deb 02 June 1980 vol 985 c558W
Mr. Teddy Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for the Social Services what role he plans for the practice of homoeopathic medicine within the Health Service; and if he will make a statement.

Sir George Young

The place of homoeopathy in the practice of medicine is a matter for the medical profession. The Government stand by pledges given by successive Governments that they will ensure the continued availability of facilities for the practice of homoeopathy as long as there are patients willing to receive such treatment and doctors willing to provide it. In this connection I would refer my hon. Friend to my right hon. Friends' observations on the Petition from The Citizens of the United Kingdom on the future availability of homoeopathic treatment in the National Health Service circulated in the Votes and Proceedings on 14 January. My hon. Friend is discussing with representatives of homoeopathic interests the proposals which they have put to me concerning future arrangements for homoeopathy in the NHS.