§ 12. Dr. Brayasked the Minister of Health what study is made by Her Majesty's Government, before allocating funds, of the cost and effectiveness of different treatments and of research in relation to the incidence and seriousness of different conditions of ill health.
§ Mr. PowellFunds are not allocated for the treatment of particular conditions. The allocation of research funds is a matter for my noble Friend the Minister for Science.
§ Dr. BrayIs the right hon. Gentleman saying that he does not consider the incidence of different diseases and the effectiveness of different treatments in the general allocation of funds to the different branches of the hospital service? Was not his reply to the previous Question an indication of a lack of fundamental study in the administration of his Ministry which could prevent many deaths and remove much ill-health?
§ Mr. PowellNo, Sir. I am sure that it would be quite impracticable to 15 attempt to allocate sums from the total amount available to hospital authorities either for particular conditions or particular treatments.