§ Mr. Cohenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what assessment he has made of the efficacy of neurostimulator implants; what plans he has to support the development of this technique and extend its availability on the National Health Service; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WhitneyWe are aware of a number of developments in this field, not all of which are generally accepted within the medical profession. Comprehensive information about assessments of their efficacy is not held centrally. It is for health authorities to decide what level of resources should be allocated to the implantation of these devices, and for doctors to decide whether they should be prescribed for individual patients.