HC Deb 02 June 1997 vol 295 c42W
Mr. Vaz

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what additional measures he plans to help sufferers of chronic fatigue syndrome. [1820]

Ms Jowell

Our main aims are:

  1. (a) to continue to fund and sponsor research so that chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)\mylagic encephalomyelitis (ME) and its causes are better understood;
  2. (b) to help doctors to deal with patients suffering from the condition in a skilful and sympathetic way.

We will continue to support the voluntary sector to represent and help sufferers from the condition.

Mr. Vaz

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he proposes to increase research into ME. [1821]

Ms Jowell

Funding research into myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) (otherwise known as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)) is considered alongside other priorities. The National Health Service Research and Development programme is funding a research project called "Should GPs manage chronic fatigue syndrome? A controlled trial".

The main agency through which the Government supports biomedical and clinical research is the Medical Research Council. It is not currently funding any research into CFS \ME, but it always welcomes high-quality applications and these are judged in open competition with other demands for funding, and awarded according to their scientific quality.