§ Mr. TredinnickTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what analysis has been made of potential cost savings to public funds if alternative and complementary medical treatments, with particular reference to osteopathy, chiropractic and homoeopathy, were more widely available on the national health service; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. SackvilleThe Department has commissioned a study by the medical care research unit of Sheffield university which will examine the impact complementary therapists—such as osteopaths, chiropractors, and homoeopaths—have on the prescribing patterns, cost of drugs, hospital referral practices, patient satisfaction and repeat attendances, within general practice. The study started last December and will take two years to complete.