§ Mr. Wrigglesworthasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what representations he has received about the establishment of clinical ecology units; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what action he has taken to investigate the role of food and drinks in cases of allergy;
(3) if he will draw the attention of the medical profession to the importance of the role of food and drink in cases of allergy and order health authorities to establish clinical ecology units.
§ Mr. John PattenWe have received 14 representations about the establishment of clinical ecology units. The place of this approach in the treatment of allergy can only be judged by the doctors concerned. The priority for any such development would be for health authorities to consider in relation to other claims on their resources.
The role of food and drink in relation to allergy is the subject of a report which the Royal College of Physicians and the British Nutrition Foundation have been preparing jointly. The Department has been represented on the group considering this report, which the two bodies concerned will be drawing to the attention of the medical profession when it is published.