§ Mr. Wigleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the central Government expenditure on research into rheumatic diseases in the last financial year; and what this represents as a percentage of central Government expenditure on medical research.
§ Mr. PrenticeI have been asked to reply.
It is not possible to isolate a figure for research expenditure into rheumatic dis- 420W eases. Major research programmes are in progress at the Medical Research Council's Rheumatism Unit and at its Clinical Research Centre, and two other council establishments are pursuing studies. In addition three of the council's research groups are carrying out basic research related to rheumatism, and the council has awarded a number of programme and project grants for work in this field which is being carried on alongside research work in the universities funded by the University Grants Committee.
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services also sponsors research in this field.