§ Mr. MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what proposals she has to improve facilities for research in to and treatment of Raynaud's disease and scleroderma: what representations she has received from the Raynaud's Disease and Scleroderma Society in relation to the future of the Brompton hospital unit; what consultations she has had concerning the impact of the Tomlinson report on non-London originating patients suffering from Raynaud's disease and scleroderma; and if she will make a statement.
§ Dr. MawhinneyThe Department has no current plans for research into Raynaud's disease and scleroderma. The main Government agency for the promotion of medical and related research is the Medical Research Council which receives its grant-in-aid through the Office of Science and Technology. We have recently received two representations regarding the Raynaud's Disease and Scleroderma Society in relation to future of the Royal Brompton hospital to which I will be replying. The views of the society will be taken into account, along with others relating to the specialist hospitals such as the Brompton,616W when decisions are made on the recommendations of the Tomlinson report. Those decisions will also take into account the implications for non-London originating patients for these and other diseases.