§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what research facilities are being financed directly or indirectly by his Department into the causes and treatment of hernia and other associated complaints; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. William SheltonThe Medical Research Council, which receives a grant-in-aid from the Department's science budget, is not currently funding any research directly concerned with the causes and treatment of hernia; although the council is always prepared to consider support for scientifically sound proposals for research in this field. The MRC is funding a number of research projects which relate to the metabolism of muscle or connective tissue, and I shall send details to the hon. Member.
It is likely that further research in this general area is being carried out at universities, using funds from the block grants for teaching and research provided through the University Grants Committee. Details of such research are not available centrally.