§ Dr. StarkeyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what research his Department has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated into the cost-effectiveness of homoeopathic treatments of food allergies; [10350]
(2) if he will issue guidance to health purchasers on the cost-effectiveness of homoeopathy relative to conventional medicine; and if he will issue separate guidance on the cost-effectiveness of homoeopathy relative to conventional treatments for food allergies. [10349]
§ Ms JowellNational health service doctors are able to arrange for their patients to receive homoeopathic treatment for their problems, including food allergy, if there is a clinical need and such treatment is considered the most appropriate and cost-effective way of meeting the need.
We have not commissioned or evaluated research into the cost-effectiveness of homoeopathy in relation to treatment of food allergies. We have no plans to issue guidance to the NHS on the cost-effectiveness of homoeopathy generally, or in relation to treatment of food allergies.