§ 92. Mr. Hunterasked the Minister of Health, as representing the Minister for Science, what was the amount spent in 1958 and 1959 on medical research into the causes of arthritis and rheumatism; and what future plans he has for enlarging this research work.
§ Miss PittThe Medical Research Council's total expenditure on research into the causes of arthritis and rheumatism amounted to approximately£37,000 in 1958 and£46,000 in 1959. The Council's programme of research on rheumatic diseases has expanded considerably in the last two years and support will be given to new investigations whenever the opportunity occurs. In addition to the work done by the Medical Research Council research is undertaken at National Health Service hospitals and in university medical departments. In these and other institutions some research is 99W also supported mainly or entirely by voluntary organisations such as the Empire Rheumatism Council. Figures for the cost of these research activities are not readily available.