§ Mr. Tony LloydTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to take forward the national ethnic health research and development programme. [29527]
§ Mr. MaloneThe Department attaches great importance to ensuring that the health needs of ethnic minority populations are recognised and met. Since 1989, it has allocated £0.5 million each year to fund a range of development projects aimed at improving access to health services. A directory listing the initiatives has just been published, and copies will be placed in the Library.
In addition, the Department's research programme currently funds a number of projects, to a combined value of £3.5 million, which have an ethnic dimension.
Within the national health service executive, the west midlands regional office leads on research and development in this area. It has commissioned projects to a value of £300,000.