HC Deb 06 December 1954 vol 535 cc577-9
14. Mr. K. Robinson

asked the Minister of Health to what extent the provisions of Section 16 (1) of the National Health Service Act, 1946, have been implemented with reference to research into mental illness and mental deficiency; and what is the total expenditure to date on this type of research under these provisions.

Mr. Iain Macleod

The amount is negligible. An annual contribution of £3,000 has been made under this particular subsection for the past seven years to the Faculty of Medicine at Birmingham University, in respect of research into mental illness, making a total of £21,000.

Mr. Robinson

Is not this a very disappointing answer? In view of the fact that so little research into mental health is done in this country, does not the right hon. Gentleman think that he has a personal responsibility to see that projects of this kind are initiated under the provisions of this Act?

Mr. Macleod

The provisions of subsection (1) have not been used, but, of course, a great deal of work is done under subsection (2) of the same Section by boards of governors, the regional boards and hospital management committees. Taking all that into consideration with the answer I shall give to the next Question, I think that this is a better line of approach than that the Minister should himself sponsor research.

15. Mr. K. Robinson

asked the Minister of Health if he is satisfied with the present organisation of research into mental illness and mental deficiency; and if he will consider the establishment of a separate body charged with the duty of promoting and co-ordinating such research.

Mr. Iain Macleod

The clinical research board recently appointed has the duty of advising and assisting the Medical Research Council in promoting and coordinating clinical research, including research into the treatment of mental illness and mental deficiency. I think these arrangements will prove satisfactory.

Mr. Robinson

Is it not clear that they have not yet proved satisfactory because a very small amount of money has been devoted to this kind of research? Is the Minister aware that this country is living on the research done in the United States and in European countries? Does he not think it is about time we made a new start in the matter and that the establishment of a new body might achieve this?

Mr. Macleod

That is precisely what we have done. The clinical research board has only just been appointed and has not yet got under way. It is an entirely new development in this field, which I personally think is of first importance, and I am glad that I have taken a share in setting up this body with the Lord President of the Council and the Secretary of State for Scotland.