HC Deb 20 June 1986 vol 99 cc660-1W
Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what resources he is providing for the study of childhood cancers.

Mr. Hayhoe

The Department supports the Childhood Cancer Research Group based at the Radcliffe infirmary, Oxford on the basis of a six-year rolling contract. The Group's financial allocation in 1986–87 amounts to £153,600 to which the Scottish Home and Health Department will contribute 10 per cent. The Department is also providing financial support in 1986–87 for the following research projects:

  1. 1. Case Control Study of Leukaemia and Lymphoma in Young People in West Cumbria—£19,800.
  2. 2. Birth Cohort Study in West Cumbria—£1,873.
  3. 3. Analysis of Cancer Incidence in Young People in Small Areas—£44,000.

Additionally the Department is giving £368,000 in 1986–87 to provide nursing support for trials in childhood leukaemia carried out by the Medical Research Council.

The Medical Research Council is the major Government-funded body supporting cancer research, including research into childhood cancers. It receives its annual grant-in-aid from the Science Vote of the Department of Education and Science.