HL Deb 12 July 1984 vol 454 c1167WA
Lord Colwyn

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they are aware of any research in the United Kingdom being carried out:

  1. (a) into the relationship between thyroid hormone and the development of atherosclerosis;
  2. (b) into the development of techniques using EDTA (Ethylene-diaminetetra-acetic acid) for the treatment of the effects of atherosclerosis, involving coronary artery disease, stroke, senility, early gangrene, essential hypertension, peripheral vascular occlusive disease, osteoarthritis and related disorders.

The Earl of Swinton

The primary responsibility for the conduct of publicly funded medical research lies with the Medical Research Council. The council is unaware of any current research in the United Kingdom being carried out into the relationship between thyroid hormone and the development of atherosclerosis or into the clinical use of EDTA. I understand from the council that neither thyroid hormone nor EDTA is considered a safe treatment for the conditions described.