§ Mr. Ernie Ross asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will list the projects associated with research into Down's syndrome which his Department is sponsoring; what has been the level of funding; and if he anticipates sponsoring further research into the syndrome.
§ Mr. William Shelton:The Medical Research Council, which receives a grant-in-aid from my Department, is supporting a number of research projects relevant to Down's syndrome. I shall send the hon. Member a list. During the financial year 1980–81, the council spent £643,000 on research in this area. In addition, the council supports a wide range of chromosomal and genetic research which may produce advances in our understanding of Down's syndrome and related conditions, and is always willing to consider funding soundly-based research relevant to this syndrome.
Other work on Down's syndrome is carried out in universities, and some of this is supported out of the funds made available by my Department through the University Grants Committee as block grants for teaching and research.