HC Deb 07 March 2002 vol 381 cc565-7W
Mr. Hoyle

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what research is being undertaken by the Government into links between deep vein thrombosis and air travel. [40677]

Paul Holmes

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions if he will list the contracts awarded by his Department to Capita since 1997, stating(a) start and finish date of contract, (b) value of contract, (c) description of work to be carried out, (d) evaluation mechanism for successful delivery of contract, (e) penalty charges for failure to deliver and (f) if any penalty charges have been incurred; and if he will make a statement. [39981]

Dr. Whitehead

[holding answer 4 March 2002]The following contracts have been awarded by DTLR to the Capita Group, since 1997:

Mr. Jamieson

Rather than undertaking its own research into possible links between deep vein thrombosis and air travel, the Government will support the international research project being planned by the World Health Organisation.

Mr. Hoyle

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what assessment he has made of the reasons why the research into links between deep vein thrombosis and air travel announced by the World Health Organisation in August 2001 has not yet begun; and what representations the Government made to the World Health Organisation as to beginning the research. [40678]

Mr. Jamieson

Members of the Aviation Health Working Group, which includes this Department, met representatives of the Scientific Committee responsible for the proposed WHO project on 26 February to discuss the timing of the study. Details of the various research protocols have now been agreed and it is planned to begin the work on 1 April 2002, subject to sufficient funding being in place.