§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what research his Department has funded into the efficacy of evening primrose oil as a treatment for arthritis; in what circumstances evening primrose oil is available on prescription; if he Department intends to fund further research into the value of evening primrose oil for treatment or illness and disease; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. StewartTwo evening primrose oil products, Epogam and Efamast, are licensed by the Medicines Control Agency and are prescribable on the NHS. Epogam is prescribable for use in the treatment of atopic eczema, and Efamast for use in the treatment of mastalgia. No evening primrose oil preparation has satisfied the licensing requirements of safety and efficacy for any other medical condition.
The Scottish Office Home and Health Department has not funded, and has no present plans to fund, any research into the value of evening primrose oil for the treatment of arthritis or any other medical condition. However, the Chief Scientist Office of the Scottish Office Home and Health Department is always willing to consider any applications for the funding of soundly based reasearchable projects related to health and health services.