§ Mr. Spearingasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied that the funding for research into diabetes reflects the occurrence of this disease and the part it may play in premature deaths.
§ Mr. John PattenThere are a number of bodies willing to fund research into diabetes. The main Government funded body supporting such research is the Medical Research Council, from its grant-in-aid under the science budget of the Department of Education and Science. I understand that in 1983–84 the council spent just over £1 million on research into diabetes through grants to universities and work in its own establishments. The council is always willing to consider soundly based research proposals for support through the research grant scheme, in competition with other proposals, Government funds, including those of the Department of Health and Social Security, also support other research in the universities and hospital medical schools. I understand that the British Diabetic Association also provides funds for research into the condition.