Clinical Ecology

Oral Answers to Questions — Social Services – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 9 March 1982.

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Photo of Mr Michael Neubert Mr Michael Neubert , Romford 12:00, 9 March 1982

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what percentage of expenditure within the National Health Service he estimates is devoted to clinical ecology.

Photo of Kenneth Clarke Kenneth Clarke Minister of State (Department of Health)

I am unable to make such an estimate, as clinical ecology is not recognised as a separate specialty in this country.

Photo of Mr Michael Neubert Mr Michael Neubert , Romford

Is my hon. and learned Friend aware that a large and increasing number of people suffer discomfort, inconvenience and disability as a result of food allergy? Is it not time that the problem was taken more seriously and given greater recognition within the National Health Service?

Photo of Kenneth Clarke Kenneth Clarke Minister of State (Department of Health)

I am sure that it is a serious problem, but treatment is widely available for allergies of all sorts within the National Health Service at hospitals throughout Britain. Many consultants are members of the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology, which has 400 members. There is nothing to stop the area health authorities from improving provision in their localities and I am sure that many more will continue to do so.