Muscular Dystrophy (Research Funding) (Hansard, 15 March 2004)

§ Bob Spink (Castle Point) (Con)

A bid submitted to the Department of Health for research funding could provide treatment that would substantially extend life and improve the quality of life of those who suffer from Duchenne muscular dystrophy. The bid was coordinated by the Right to Survive Campaign—a coalition of the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign, Parent Project UK, and the Duchenne Family Support Group. Hon. Members will be aware of the terrible impact of the disease on individuals and their families, and they will understand my constituent's motives for compiling a petition.

I wish to present a petition, which states: To the Honourable the Commons of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in Parliament Assembled The Humble Petition of Mr. and Mrs. Luxton and others of like disposition sheweth That a consortium bid to the Department of Health for "molecular patch" Duchenne research, in the amount of £2.4 million, for funds under the White Paper on genetics for research into gene therapy for single gene disorders, has been submitted in October 2003. Wherefore your Petitioners pray that your Honourable House shall urge the Government to bring pressure on the Secretary of State for Health to support the bid, but in any event, to ensure that the research is funded and goes forward. And our Petitioners, as in duty bound, will ever pray.