§ 4. Mr. Knoxasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the value of grants from his Department for research into tinnitus.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergThe Department is currently funding an exploratory project into psychological aspects of adjustment to subjective tinnitus and the effectiveness of tailored masking at a cost of about £40,000 over a three-year period.
§ Mr. KnoxDoes my hon. Friend believe that enough money is being spent on research into this distressing condition?
§ Mr. FinsbergI agree that it is a distressing condition. One problem is that we are not receiving sufficient suggestions for research. If anyone has a suggestion, we shall see that it is carefully considered for grant purposes.
§ Mr. StrawI declare my interest. Is not £40,000 for research over three years derisory compared with the size of the task? Should not the importance attached to and the funding of the research be greatly increased?
§ Mr. FinsbergAs I said, one problem is that few projects for research come forward. I shall gladly listen to any ideas that the hon. Gentleman might have and put them to my experts.