asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what action he is taking to implement his undertaking that, as long as there are patients wishing to receive homoeopathic treatment and doctors willing to provide it, he will continue to ensure that facilities are made available, Official Report, 22nd June, column 293.
Any doctor who wishes to do so may provide homoeopathic treatment, but the availability of general practitioner services depends on where a doctor with an interest in this branch of medicine practises. I have no power to direct a doctor to prescribe a particular form of treatment, nor would it be appropriate for me to have such a power. The provision of hospital facilities is a matter in the first instance for the appropriate health authority to determine in the light of local needs and priorities. Any proposals for closure or change of use of homoeopathic hospitals would be subject to the usual consultation procedure and in the last resort to the decision of the Secretary of State.