Homeopathy

With reference to the conclusion of the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee – that public funding of homeopathy as part of the NHS was not justified, on the grounds that there was no evidence that homeopathic "medicines" were medically effective (your report, 23 February) – this is what we would expect of "medicines" which are essentially distilled water, in which the active ingredients have been diluted to extinction.

This is an approach based on mumbo-jumbo, which has more to do with primitive superstition than with science.

Unfortunately, your report does not tell us whether the Review of the Greater Glasgow and Clyde Health Board (2004-2005) discovered any medical evidence justifying its continuing support of homeopathy at the public expense.

DR DAVID PURVES

Strathalmond Road

Edinburgh