§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if his Department now recognises the classification of myalgic encephalomyelitis as a disease by the World Health Organisation; what plans he has to give health boards guidance on the treatment of this disease; what funds he will make available for research into its prevention and cure; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. StewartThe version of the international classification of diseases currently in operation in Scotland 331W is the ninth revision, ICD9, which does not have a specific code for myalgic encephalomyelitis, ME, although it can be recorded under "unspecified encephalopathy". The next revision, ICD10, which has a code for "Benign Myalgic Encephalomyelitis", is expected to come into operation in Scotland in spring 1996.
As a matter of principle, the Government do not issue clinical guidance, since that is the responsibility of the medical profession.
The chief scientist office of the Scottish Office Home and Health Department is always prepared to give consideration to applications for scientifically bases research projects related to ME.