HC Deb 12 April 1978 vol 947 cc440-1W
Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what research is being undertaken in the United Kingdom into the prevention of diabetes; and if she will make a statement.

Mrs. Shirley Williams

The cause—or causes—of diabetes are still unknown, despite extensive research. The Medical Research Council's work on this disease was set out in the reply I gave in answer to a Question from my hon. Friend the Member for Nelson and Colne (Mr. Hoyle) on 22nd March 1978.—[Vol. 946, c. 587–8.] Some of these projects, together with the Council's programme of basic research in such fields as metabolism, biochemistry, genetics and immunology, may through increasing understanding of diabetes lead to the possibility of preventive measures.