§ Mr. Harry GreenwayTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance she gives to local health authorities for the treatment of rnyalgic encephalomyelitis; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. SackvilleThe production of guidance on the treatment of what is increasingly being referred to as chronic-fatigue syndrome is a matter for the health care professions and not for the Department. The Department may however commend to purchasers guidelines which have been accepted by all the professional bodies.
The national task force on CFS/PVFS—post-viral fatigue syndrome—ME which is autonomous of the Department of Health, has produced a report. With a view to securing progress and promoting the development of a professional consensus, the chief medical officer has invited the conference of colleges to consider the report. A response from the conference is not expected until spring.