§ Dr. Roger Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will consider funding a detailed study on the relationship between excessive alcohol intake and the development of malignant disease in women.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergBiomedical research in this field is appropriate to the Medical Research Council from funds provided by the Department of Education and Science. The health departments regularly review their priorities for biomedical research which are taken into account when the Medical Research Council are formulating their programmes. Misuse of alcohol and its effects have been identified as a priority but the Medical Research Council have not yet undertaken any work specifically aimed at women although they are ready to consider applications for support for scientifically sound research. The Department is at present reviewing the need for further attention to be given to this aspect.