§ Mr. William Priceasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how much the Government have spent on research into arthritis and rheumatism during each of the past five years; and what proposals he has to increase the amount.
§ Mr. Goronwy RobertsIt is not possible to give an estimate of the total amount. Direct expenditure by the Medical Research Council has been as follows:
£ 1961–62 … … 104,000 1962–63 … … 87,000 1963–64 … … 79,000 1964–65 … … 107,000 1965–66 … … 109,000 Work is also carried out in universities and at hospitals under the National Health Service.
Fundamental research undertaken under the Council's auspices and in the universities may well lead to increases in knowledge about the causes and treatment of rheumatic conditions. The cost of this work, which is of direct relevance to these diseases, cannot be isolated.
As regards the Council, plans for expansion are a matter primarily for them to decide in the light of their scientific experience, but I am assured that they have not to date felt themselves restricted by lack of funds from supporting scientifically worthwhile projects arising in this field.