§ 22. Mr. Mayhewasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what alteration in expenditure he proposes on psychiatric research during the current year.
§ Sir K. JosephMy Department's estimated expenditure in 1970–71 on research in mental illness is £96,000 and in mental handicap £110,000. The figures in 1969–70 were £72,000 and £43,000.
§ Mr. MayhewNow that a decision has been taken to help the mental hospitals, on which the right hon. Gentleman should be warmly congratulated, will he turn his attention to the proportion of our total research resources which is devoted to mental health? Would he not agree, in view of the urgency and scale of the need and of the opportunities in this area, that this proportion is ridiculously low?
§ Sir K. JosephIt is only sensible to spend money on research when there is an effective object in mind. The hon. Gentleman will realise that the M.R.C. as well as my Department is involved in providing research.