§ Mr. David TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what publicly funded research is being carried out into the causes of interstitial cystitis; and if he will make a statement.[84970]
§ Mr. HuttonA body of international research evidence is published in the world-wide literature and details of work supported by the Department are on the National Research Register in the Library and on the internet athttp://www.doh.gov.uk/nrr.htm. In addition, the Medical Research Council is funding basic research, including the study of molecules and cells, genetics, infections and immunity, which will inform future research in this area.
In the National Health Service research and development programme, priorities take account of widespread consultation with those using, delivering and managing services, within a framework overseen by the Central Research and Development Committee for the NHS.
We have asked those who manage the priority setting process to ensure that interstitial cystitis is included in consideration of future research priorities.