§ Mr. Paul MarsdenTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the work programme of the working group on myalgic encephalomyelitis, and its timescale. [70255]
§ Ms JowellI refer my hon. Friend to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Brighton, Pavilion (Mr. Lepper) on 4 February 1999,Official Report, columns 524–25.
§ Mr. ReedTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress he has made in promoting awareness and understanding of chronic fatigue syndrome/ME among(a) health professionals and (b) the general public; and if he will make a statement. [70160]
§ Ms JowellThe recent publicity surrounding the announcement of the establishment of the working group on chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME) and the involvement of many health professionals, academics, patients and carers in its work has already raised awareness of CFS/ME. The best practice guidance that the Group has been tasked with producing will also raise understanding and awareness. In the mean time, we will continue to work with the Myalgic Encephalomyelitis Alliance to promote awareness and understanding of this distressing and debilitating condition.