Hansard 27.11.87 -- Written Answers Page 353. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mr Beith: to ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what recent representations he has received about the diagnoses and treatment of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and what response he has made. Mrs Currie: since 1st September there have been 12 letters from Members on behalf of constituents and 23 letters from members of the public. All of these have been and will be assured that the NHS recognises and treats this disease. All the symptoms of M.E. resemble those of other forms of debilitating illness, it is not easy to diagnose a single case and draw up diagnostic guidance; nor is it the Department's policy to advise the medical profession on clinical practice.