Multiple Sclerosis

Baroness Gardner of Parkes Excerpts

Thursday 13th October 2011 Lords Chamber

[Lord Willis of Knaresborough]

My Lords, one of the great problems—

[Baroness Gardner of Parkes]

My Lords—

[The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Lord Strathclyde)]

I know that my noble friend has been trying to get in and I think that we should let her.

[Baroness Gardner of Parkes]

My Lords, I declare an interest in that I have a daughter who has had MS for 30 years. Recent research announced in Russia indicated that they believe they are developing an answer to rebuilding the myelin sheath, which would be great progress in multiple sclerosis treatment. Can the Minister assure us that when that research is available we will follow it here and introduce it at the earliest possible time?

[Earl Howe]

My Lords, new and innovative treatments for MS are being developed in a number of countries. It is quite clear that any new treatment of this kind should be subject to the rigours of the regulatory system before it is made available to NHS patients. Many of them will not have been fully tested to ensure efficacy and safety, but we will of course examine every novel and innovative treatment that has the potential to benefit patients.