HC Deb 28 February 1989 vol 148 c146W
71. Mr. Hinchliffe

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what are the implications for medical research financed by the Medical Research Council of new proposals for the funding of the hospital service.

Mr. Rooker

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what arrangements he has made to protect medical research supported by the Medical Research Council with co-operation in clinical aspects by the National Health Service, in the light of the Government's new proposals for the funding of hospital services.

Mr. Jackson

The White Paper "Working for Patients' (Cm. 555) makes it clear that the Government are firmly committed to maintaining the quality of medical education and research. In the light of the proposals in the White Paper, the Government will be considering how best to ensure that costs associated with research in the National Health Service are met, and that appropriate arrangements exist between the MRC and the Health Service for the effective prosecution of research.

73. Mr. Darling

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will make a statement on future Government support for clinical medical research.

Mr. Jackson

The main agency through which the Government support medical research, including clinical medical research, is the Medical Research Council. My right hon. Friend announced on 7 February 1989 that the council's grant-in-aid for 1989–90 will be £176 million. This is an increase in real terms of 12 per cent. on the 1988–89 figure of £150 million. The council's cash planning figures for 1990–91 and 1991–92 are £181 million and £185 million respectively; these will be subject to review in the usual way in the public expenditure survey. The allocation of the council's funds between clinical and other research is a matter for the council, but I understand that it is planning to increase its emphasis on clinical research. Some support of clinical research is also provided through UGC block grants to universities and medical schools, and through regional health authorities' spending.