HC Deb 10 May 1995 vol 259 cc531-2W
Mr. Alex Carlile

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will list the research sponsored by her Department and the amount spent on each project for(a) AIDS/HIV prevention and (b) AIDS/HIV treatment, for the last five years for which figures are available; and if she will make a statement. [22669]

Mr. Malone

The main agency through which the Government support research into HIV and AIDS is the Medical Research Council which receives its grant-in-aid from the office of my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.

Over the last five financial years the Department of Health has contributed to the MRC's work to a value of £1,233,161 in 1990–91, £2,000,700 in 1991–92, £1,708,967 in 1992–93, £1,794,722 in 1993–94 with a £1,210,000 estimated expenditure in 1994–95.

In addition, the Department is funding its own programme of research covering the health and social care for people with HIV/AIDS. Over the last five financial years funding of the programme has been £593,000 in 1990–91, £786,000 in 1991–92, £789,000 in 1992–93, £834,000 in 1993–94 with an estimated expenditure of £955,000 in 1994–95.

The nature of the work undertaken means that it is not possible to split the research projects between prevention and treatment; many will cover both aspects.

The work undertaken by the Department is listed in two recent publications, "The Health and Social Care for People with HIV Infection and AIDS" and "Centrally Commissioned Research Programme." Copies of both publications are available in the Library.

Mr. Alex Carlile

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will list the research work that her Department sponsors on HIV/AIDS which incorporates international co-operation. [22667]

Mr. Malone

The Department's programme of policy research covers the delivery of health and social care to people with HIV infection and AIDS in England. Researchers carrying out the work have strong international links but given the nature of the studies sponsored by the Department it is appropriate that they are based in this country.