HC Deb 21 June 1978 vol 952 cc452-3
11. Mrs. Bain

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what recent representations he has received on the treatment of rheumatic diseases in Scotland; and what action he intends to take in the light of the recently published report "Arthritis and Rheumatism, Everybody's Problem".

Mr. Harry Ewing

My right hon. Friend has received no general representations recently. The report is being studied by my Department.

Mrs. Bain

As the report indicates that the absence rate from work is 20 per cent. higher in Scotland than elsewhere in the United Kingdom as a result of these debilitating diseases and that 4 million working days are lost each year, do the Government see any way of increasing the grants made available for research into the causes and cure of rheumatism and arthritis? Will the Minister particularly consider the future of the Baird Street Clinic, in Glasgow, which has an international reputation in this area?

Mr. Ewing

It is well known that the eventual plan is to transfer the beds from the Baird Street Clinic to the new Royal Infirmary when that building is completed. Obviously that will be to everyone's advantage.

Research is the responsibility of the Medical Research Council. My Department finances research projects into the causes of rheumatism. Indeed, we have one or two research projects going at the moment. I shall certainly look at what the hon. Lady said.