§ Mr. Willeyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what research is being conducted into the cause and treatment of Huntingdon's disease (chorea).
§ Dr. OwenThe Medical Research Council is involved in a wide range of basic neurological work which could advance the knowledge of Huntington's chorea.
In particular, its Brain Metabolism Unit in Edinburgh has for some years been conducting biochemical investigations into the disease. This is long-term work which will be continuing, for there are many problems involved which make progress slow. This unit, together with the Department of Social Medicine at the University of Edinburgh, is also engaged on research into the incidence and family distribution of the disease.
Research by Dr. A. J. Caro continues at the Norfolk and Norwich Hospital. 44W This project, started in 1973 and funded by the East Anglian Regional Health Authority under the Locally Organised Clinical Research Scheme, is concerned mainly with family incidence of the disease and genetic counselling.
Biochemical research into Huntington's chorea is also being undertaken by Dr. E. D. Bird at Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, funded by the Mental Health Trust, and at Sheffield University by the Madge Edwards Trust.