§ Ms WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what future funding plans the Medical Research Council has announced for research into reducing the number of baby deaths through(a) miscarriage, (b) premature birth, (c) still birth and (d) obstetrics. [93162]
§ Ms HewittThe MRC does not, as a rule, earmark funds for particular topics. Research proposals in all areas compete for the funding available. When appropriate, high quality research in the areas MRC is promoting may be given priority in competition for funds, but research excellence and importance to health continue to be the primary considerations in funding decisions. The MRC has not announced any future funding plans for research into reducing the number of baby deaths, but it always welcomes high quality applications for support into any aspect of human health.
The MRC spent an estimated £19.1 million in 2001–02 on its Reproductive health portfolio. Reproductive health research includes normal and abnormal fetal and placental development and growth, as well as conditions affecting pregnancy and childbirth.