§ Mr. Ronald Atkinsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is spent on research to find a cure for arthritis; and what are the costs of treating this disease.
§ Dr. OwenGovernment funded research in the treatment of arthritis is carried out mainly by the Medical Research Council, from its own resources and under commission from the Health Departments. Major research programmes are in progress at the council's Rheumatism Unit and its Clinical Research Centre, as well as under grants. There is also a substantial amount of basic, biological research by the council and universities which may contribute to the advance of knowledge of the nature and cure of the disease.
Unfortunately, separate costs for research relevant to arthritis are not readily produced, and I regret that I am unable to give a comprehensive figure.
I regret also that information on costs of treatment is not available since it is impossible to isolate those relating solely to this disease.