§ Mr. WoolasTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what funds he plans to make available for research into the effects and causes of osteogenesis imperfecta; [138800]
(2) what plans he has to promote awareness of osteogenesis imperfecta; [138798]
(3) what plans he has to meet representatives of the Brittle Bone Society. [138799]
§ Yvette CooperNeither the Department nor the Medical Research Council (MRC), which is the main Government agency for research into the causes of and treatments for disease, are directly commissioning any research projects specifically on osteogenesis imperfecta, at present. However, the MRC is funding research related to osteoarthritis and always welcomes high-quality applications for support into any aspect of human health. These are judged in open competition with other demands on funding. Awards are made according to their scientific quality and importance to human health.
Ministers have not been invited to meet representatives of the Brittle Bone Society but are aware of their work. We value highly the achievements of such societies and their dedication to promoting greater awareness of conditions which are not widely recognised. They provide advice, encouragement and practical help for those unfortunate to be afflicted, and their families, and they support research into the condition's cause and the alleviation of its effects.
The Department provides grant aid to assist the promotion of a better awareness and appreciation of conditions like Brittle Bone Disease, the most common cause of this condition being osteogenesis imperfecta. This is undertaken through the voluntary group "Contact A Family" which maintains a hard copy and website directory of specific and rare conditions in childhood, including family support networks.