§ Mr. John Evansasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how much financial aid Her Majesty's Government have provided in each of the last five years to research into muscular dystrophy; and how much Her Majesty's 83W Government intend to give in each of the next five years.
§ Mr. Gerry FowlerIt is not possible to isolate a figure for research expenditure on muscular dystrophy since much of the research now in progress forms part of wider studies on neuromuscular disorders. The Medical Research Council, which is responsible for allocating the funds made available by the Government for biomedical research, is supporting major long-term programmes of research on neuromuscular disease including muscular dystrophy at Newcastle University. The council's clinical genetics unit is carrying out genetic and biochemical studies on muscular dystrophy, and the council supports further work by means of project grants. Other relevant research is being undertaken in university departments with support from University Grants Committee funds.