§ Mr. Paul MarsdenTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what research into children's arthritis the Government fund; and if he will make a statement. [96661]
§ Ms HewittThe Government fund health and medical research mainly through the Medical Research Council and the Department of Health.
The Medical Research Council spent about £160k in 1998–99 on projects specifically involved with juvenile arthritis. In addition, the MRC spent £1,128k on arthritis as a whole—much of which will be relevant to the treatment of children with the condition.
The Department of Health has recently funded projects on juvenile arthritis with a total value of over £500k.