Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, pursuant to the Answer of 4 June 2018 to Question 147821, on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, what plans he has and what recent steps he has taken to expand this funding in the future.

The Department’s National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) recognises that chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME), is a debilitating condition and is speaking with the UK CFS/ME Research Collaborative and patient representatives about how best to support a joined up approach to high quality research into this complex disorder.

The NIHR welcomes funding applications for research into any aspect of human health, including CFS/ME; it is not usual practice to ring-fence funds for particular topics or conditions. Applications are subject to peer review and judged in open competition, with awards being made on the basis of the importance of the topic to patients and health and care services, value for money and scientific quality.