"We all know I suspect of people who visit an acupuncturist, maybe adopt a regime involving changes of diet and the use of homeopathic remedies, seek out an osteopath; or find to the amazement of their rationalist selves that they benefit from herbal procedures. These "rationalist selves" would be enormously, relieved to see the effectiveness of these treatments proven through the "double-blind randomized controlled trial" — the gold-standard of medical research. However, we know that some complementary and alternative medicine disciplines (and indeed other forms of medical or surgical intervention) do not lend themselves to this research method…Ladies and Gentlemen, believe it or not I have been advocating the development of a truly integrated health system — one rooted in appropriate regulation and supported by rigorous scientific evidence — for the best part of twenty five years." (London, 20th March 2008)