§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if his Department has made, or will be making, any financial contribution to the work of the Duncan Guthrie Institute of Medical Genetics at Glasgow University; if he will visit the institute to study the significance for the United Kingdom as a whole of its work in the fields both of research and the screening of mothers at risk of severe foetal abnormality; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what study his Department has made, or will be making, of the facilities at the Duncan Guthrie Institute of Medical Genetics at Glasgow University for the screening of mothers at risk of severe foetal abnormality; and if he is taking any action to make the significance of the institute's work in this field more widely known.
§ Mr. FairgrieveMy Department has provided substantial financial support for research into foetal abnormalities over previous years and is currently funding research work associated with the institute in the field of neonatal screening. The Department will continue to be prepared to receive applications for research support from funds allocated by the Secretary of State.
The Department is aware of the facilities available and the significance of the work being undertaken. The publicising of the institute's work is a matter for the staff in charge to determine.