HC Deb 24 January 1979 vol 961 cc170-1W
Mr. George

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what research is being undertaken to combat menières disease and tinnitus; and if he is satisfied with the provision of facilities for sufferers in the West Midlands.

Mr. Alfred Morris

The main Government funded body sponsoring research into these two conditions is the Medical Research Council—MRC. It does so from funds provided by the Department of Education and Science and the health Departments. I understand from my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Science that the MRC's own hearing and balance unit is currently engaged in research which includes studies on tinnitus and Menières disease. The MRC also supports work at the University of Keele on experimental investigations of tinnitus and cochlear ototoxicity in animals. Other council supported work at the University of Keele, at the University of Birmingham and at the Institute of Laryngology and Otology in the University of London, is relevant to the problems of tinnitus and Menières disease.

Research is also being supported by universities and hospital medical schools, but details are not centrally available.

I have not had raised with me any particular problems about the provision of facilities in the West Midlands, but will be glad to look into any cases or situations which my hon. Friend may have in mind.