§ Mr. BattleTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if the Medical Research Council has carried out any research into the disease endometriosis; and if he will make a statement.
Mr. JacksonThe MRC reproductive biology unit is currently carrying out studies on the treatment and causes of endometriosis. Two MRC project grants
Steroid hormone control of phospholipid turnover in the regulation of menstrual bleeding; andPsychiatric disorders and measured menstrual loss in women having hysterectomies for excessive menstruationboth of which have just ended, are relevant to this subject.
The MRC also supports research in the areas of obstetrics and gynaecology, fertility and human reproduction which may have indirect relevance to the understanding of this disease. The council is always willing to consider soundly based research grant applications in competition with other applicants.