§ Mr. Reidasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the latest figures of expenditure for research into spina bifida; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. MulleyI have been asked to reply.
It is not possible to isolate a figure for total expenditure by the Medical Research Council on research into spina bifida because such research forms part of the council's programme of studies of genetic and other factors which give rise to developmental abnormalities. Relevant work under the council's auspices includes a special study at the Royal Marsden Hospital which has led to a potential screening method for detection of spina bifida.
Two major programmes at Glasgow and Edinburgh Universities are continuing. At the latter a successful antenatal diagnostic test has been developed. Research is also being carried out in a number of other university departments.
The Department of Health and Social Security is supporting two research projects on spina bifida at a total cost of £60,000 and also a general teratology research programme.
Valuable support is also given by voluntary bodies, notably the Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus and the National Fund for Research into Crippling Diseases.