§ 93. Mr. Mayhewasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that, according to the Report on Morbidity Statistics recently published by the Chief Medical Statistician, at least 2 million people receive treatment for psychoneurotic disorders from family doctors in any one year what is the estimated total cost to the nation of the treatment of such 151W disorders both inside and outside hospitals; and what is the estimated public expenditure on research into mental illness in the current year.
§ Mr. Walker-SmithI am aware of this Report. The information requested in the second part of the Question is not available. One hundred and thirty thousand pounds is expected to be spent during this financial year by the Medical Research Council on research into the causes of mental illness. Exchequer funds estimated at £8,500 are also expected to be spent this year within the National Health Service in England and Wales on research in this field. In addition, research is supported by universities and medical schools but the financial details are not available.