HC Deb 05 February 1975 vol 885 cc564-5W
Mrs. Wise

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how much is being spent on research into multiple sclerosis; and whether any progress is being made.

Dr. Owen

In my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Eccles (Mr. Carter-Jones) on 28th November 1974—[Vol. 882, c.219–21.]—I explained the ways in which research into multiple sclerosis is being conducted. Funds for the Medical Research Council's work are provided by the Health Departments and the Department of Education and Science. Funds for work in universities are provided by the University Grants Committee and the Medical Research Council through its grants. Other research is funded by voluntary bodies. It is not possible to say how much money is being spent overall.

Although no cure for multiple sclerosis has yet been found, basic research is advancing understanding of this complex disease on a number of fronts.