HC Deb 04 November 1997 vol 300 cc182-3W
Mr. White

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research his Department has funded into chronic fatigue syndrome; what plans he has to commission further research; and what steps have been taken to inform doctors of the results of such research. [13919]

Mr. Boateng

The main agency through which the Government supports medical and clinical research is the Medical Research Council. The MRC is an independent body which receives its grant-in-aid from the Office of Science and Technology, which is part of the Department of Trade and Industry. The Council currently supports one project grant in the area of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. This is being undertaken by Dr. R. K. Morriss at the University of Manchester and is entitled "The role of noradrenaline in the neuropsychological pathogenesis of the chronic fatigue syndrome". The total amount awarded is £37,000. The Council is always willing to consider new ideas for research and will consider applications on their scientific merits.

The Department of Health has also funded a research project through the National Health Service Research and Development programme called "Should GPs manage chronic fatigue syndrome? A controlled trial", the report of which is expected shortly. Comprehensive information is not available centrally on all expenditure in the NHS on research into chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis.

Mr. Davidson

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the present research projects funded by the Government into the causes and effects of ME, indicating the Government's research objectives in this area. [13965]

Mr. Boateng

The main agency through which the Government supports medical and clinical research is the Medical Research Council. The MRC is an independent body which receives its grant-in-aid from the Office of Science and Technology, which is part of the Department of Trade and Industry. The Council currently supports one project grant in the area of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. This is being undertaken by Dr. R. K. Morriss at the University of Manchester and is entitled "The role of noradrenaline in the neuropsychological pathogenesis of the chronic fatigue syndrome".

The Department of Health is also funding a research project through the National Health Service Research and Development programme called "Should GPs manage chronic fatigue syndrome? A controlled trial", the report of which is expected shortly. Comprehensive information is not available centrally on all the activity in the NHS on research into chronic fatigue syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis.