HC Deb 11 February 1987 vol 110 cc278-9W
Mr. Ashley

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) since when myalgic encephalomyelitis has been diagnosable; and if the medical profession in general can diagnose it;

(2) if he has received any reports of faulty diagnosis of myalgic encephalomyelitis; arid what steps he proposes to take to assist doctors to diagnose the disease;

(3) if he will give financial support to the Association of Victims of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis to encourage their research and support groups;

(4) how many research studies are being undertaken into the causes and treatment of myalgic encephalomyelitis; and at which hospitals or research centres they are located;

(5) when his Department was first notified of the disease myalgic encephalomyelitis; and what steps he has since taken to further research into its causes and treatment;

(6) what is his estimate of the number of people who suffer from myalgic encephalomyelitis.

Mrs. Currie

The condition known as benign myalgic encephalomyelitis was first described in 1934, and in the 1950s outbreaks occurred in some London hospitals. Despite extensive investigation then, no causal agent was found, and this remains the case. No outbreaks have been reported in recent years, and as the symptom resemble other forms of debilitating illness it is not easy to diagnose single cases or to draw up diagnostic guidance. The Department is not aware of any reports of faulty diagnosis. The Department is always prepared to consider proposals for research projects relating to the provision of health services but no request has been received from the group named. The Department is not currently funding any other research into this condition, but I understand that serological surveillance studies are proceeding at the regional virus laboratory, Ruchill hospital, Glasgow, with further related work at the Southern General hospital, Glasgow, and separate research at St. Mary's hospital, medical school, London.

Myalgic encephalomyelitis is not a notifiable disease and data on its incidence are not therefore available.