§ 1. Mr. Emeryasked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science how much official research is being done into infant deafness; and to what extent this is carried out under the National Health Service.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary for Science (Mr. Denzil Freeth)The Medical Research Council has for about twenty years supported a programme of research on the cause, detection and treatment of deafness in infants. Part of this research is undertaken in National Health Service hospitals. In addition, research is carried out under the National Health Service at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading and the Royal National Throat, Nose and Ear Hospital, Gray's Inn Road, with substantial support from public funds.
§ Mr. EmeryDoes my hon. Friend realise what real pleasure it gives me, having known him for sixteen years, to be the person to congratulate him on his first appearance on the Government Front Bench at Question Time, and, in fact, at the Dispatch Box? I am certain that hon. Members on both sides of the House will welcome his appointment to the Government. [An HON. MEMBER: "His P.P.S."] We would give him support, but no doubt hon. Members opposite will give him something else. 1162 May I attack by asking my hon. Friend whether he realises that there is a sum of about £28,000 given by Nuffield to this research unit at Reading and that this money may not be able to be used unless sufficient housing facilities—actual floor space—can be found for this unit? Surely it would be a shame that this money should be wasted?
§ Mr. FreethIt is a great pleasure to be asked my first Question by my hon. Friend, and I am grateful to him for his kind words. I have to tell him, however, that the matter he raises is one entirely within the competence of my right hon. Friend the Minister for Health.