§ Mr. Viggersasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied with current research into the causes and treatment of endometriosis; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergResearch into this condition falls in the category of biomedical research for which Government support is provided mainly by the Medical Research Council from its grant-in-aid from the Science Vote of the Department of Education and Science. I understand that the council does not have any research directed specifically at endometriosis but it is funding a number of studies which could shed light on its causes and management.
The Health Departments' needs for biomedical research are reviewed regularly and the council is informed of our priorities. The possibilities for research on endometriosis, as well as other gynaecological disorders, will be taken into account in the next review.