asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he has any facilities available to him whereby he can assist the Judith Inchboard Trust of Avongarth, Alne, York, financially in respect of medically recommended foreign medical treatment; and if he will make a statement.

The Secretary of State for Social Services' very limited powers to pay for treatment abroad would not extend to payment for carbon dioxide therapy in the United States of America, which I understand is the treatment in question. The Department is, however, interested to learn about this treatment and is making inquiries.