HC Deb 22 July 1987 vol 120 cc249-50W
Mrs. Gillian Shephard

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what are his Department's priorities for research in the fields of health, personal social services and social security; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Moore

The research programmes supported by the Department contribute to the efficiency and effectiveness of the health and social services by promoting improvements in organisation, operation and administration.

Bearing in mind the primary responsibility of the Medical Research Council for biomedical research, I have concluded that the health and personal social services programme should be concentrated on the following areas, which are set out in order of priority:

  • acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS);
  • the demands on, and effectiveness of, acute sector services;
  • the transition to community care;
  • consumer attitudes to the health and personal social services;
  • the influencing of lifestyles, for example in relation to drug abuse;
  • professional manpower.
Social security research will concentrate on the transition to community care; evaluation of the effectiveness of social programmes.

These priorities will govern the commissioning of research projects in 1987–88 and the continuation of some existing projects. They will be kept under review.