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References

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1. http://www.dwp.gov.uk/freedom-of-informa...

Dear D Benyon

Thank you for your Freedom of Information request received on 2 March
2011. You asked:

'Dear Department for Work and Pensions,
Please could you explain why this department was involved in part
funding the recent PACE trial into the use of CBT & GET on ME/CFS
sufferers?
How many other studies, with regard to particular illness' has the
DWP been involved in with funding prior to this?
If this is the first study that the DWP has helped to fund, why
this trial?
Has the DWP a particular agenda with regard to ME/CFS such as
disregarding the WHO classification of it being a NEUROLOGICAL
disease?'

I have answered each of your questions in turn:

Please could you explain why this department was involved in part
funding the recent PACE trial into the use of CBT & GET on ME/CFS
sufferers?
If this is the first study that the DWP has helped to fund, why
this trial?
The funding was agreed by a previous Departmental Chief Medical Adviser,
who supported PACE due to his combined expertise and academic interest
in this area of work. In his role as Chief Medical Adviser he felt it
reasonable to support this trial, particularly as when the trial was
initially being developed, consideration was given to exploring the use
of a five point measure of work and social adjustment, which would look
at employment and social outcomes for people taking part in the trial.
Additionally, one of the secondary measures considered as part of the
trial, was the impact that the trial would have on ability for
employment and study.
We believe that the findings of the trial will contribute to the
continuingly growing evidence base, which informs the development of
health and work related policy, policy based on the large body of
evidence showing that work is good for physical and mental wellbeing and
that being out of work can lead to poor health and other negative
outcomes.

How many other studies, with regard to particular illness' has the
DWP been involved in with funding prior to this?
We are not aware of any earlier or subsequent similar trials that have
been funded by the Department.
Has the DWP a particular agenda with regard to ME/CFS such as
disregarding the WHO classification of it being a NEUROLOGICAL
disease?

The Department fully recognises that ME/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
has a wide spectrum of symptoms and can be a severely debilitating
condition.
If you have any queries about this letter please contact me quoting the
reference number above.
Yours sincerely,

DWP Central FoI Team

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