§ Mr. Chris Smithasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what funds he has allocated through the Medical Research Council for research into the causes of and cure for AIDS; whether he has any plans to increase this amount; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BrookeI have been asked to reply.
It is for the Medical Research Council (MRC) to decide on its scientific priorities within the resources available to it from its grant-in-aid and its income from other sources. I understand the the MRC is at present providing grants for research into the causes of and cures for AIDS to a total value of £369,000, of which £58,500 has been provided by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services. The council is always willing to consider soundly based research proposals for support through its grant scheme in competition with other applications.