§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will finance further additional research into the cause of handicaps; and if he will undertake studies to show which preventive measure will pay off best; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. VaughanThe Medical Research Council, which is the main Government-funded body undertaking research relevant to these questions from funds provided by the Department of Education and Science and the Health Departments, has already been asked to consider whether it is feasible to commission more research in the perinatal and neonatal fields which are regarded by the Health Departments as priority areas. Much more fundamental research into the underlying causes of many of the conditions of handicap is needed before studies to evaluate the most effective preventive measures could be undertaken.
I have placed in the Library and am sending the hon. Member a copy of a list 591W of the extensive research already being supported by the Medical Research Council. Other research is undertaken by the universities and hospital medical schools.