§ Mr. Mike Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will take steps to encourage and finance the scientific investigation of remedies for patients suffering from rare diseases and diseases prevalent in the developing world, where the pharmaceutical industry is reluctant to do so for economic reasons; and if he will list the diseases which are at present being insufficiently researched in this connection.
§ Dr. OwenThe Department contributed over £.2½ million last year to the World Health Organisation, which provides funds for assisting research.
The Department also funds directly a small amount of research into rare diseases, primarily for the benefit of the people in the United Kingdom although, of course, the benefits of knowledge gained are available to those living elsewhere, including in the developing countries.
However, research into diseases prevalent in the developing countries from funds provided by the Government is mainly the responsibility of my right hon. Friend, the Minister for Overseas Development. His Department provides funds for such research in conjunction with the Medical Research Council and also makes contributions to the World Health Organisation.