Written question asked by Lord McCrea of Magherafelt and Cookstown (Democratic Unionist Party) on Thursday, 20 October 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 24 October 2005. It was answered by Shaun Woodward (Labour) on Wednesday, 26 October 2005 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will commission research into myalgic encephalomyelitis.

Answer: Myalgic encephalomyelitis is a very complex disorder which produces a broad range of symptoms and disabilities and has various suggested causes and treatments. As such research into diseases like myalgic encephalomyelitis needs to be undertaken in specialised centres of excellence and coordinated at the national level.The R and D strategy for the health and personal social services, in common with other NHS R and D strategies, does not generally allocate funds for this type of research, however funding for research into myalgic encephalomyelitis has been made available from sources such as the Medical Research Council.

Secondary information