asked the Minister of Health whether he will take steps to encourage research into, and treatment of, agoraphobia.

asked the Minister of Health how many people are known to suffer from agoraphobia; what kind of treatment is given; and what research is being carried out to find the cause and the care required.

asked the Minister of Health what research is being carried out under his auspices into the causes and treatment of agoraphobia.

Clinical research into the causes and treatment of phobic anxieties, including agoraphobia, is being conducted by some university departments associated with teaching hospitals, and a range of psychiatric treatments is available in the National Health Service. There are no reliable figures of the incidence or prevalence of this complaint, but I am advised that it is comparatively rare. A number of hon. Members have sent me inquiries about agoraphobia recently and they will be receiving replies very shortly.