HC Deb 13 March 1989 vol 149 cc15-6W
Mr. Nicholas Winterton

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what information he has concerning centres which are currently undertaking research into the therapeutic and remedial treatment of Down's syndrome.

Mr. Jackson

The Medical Research Council is currently funding five centres where research of relevance to the therapeutic and remedial treatment of Down's syndrome is being carried out. The details are as follows:

Centre and project title

MRC Human Genetics Unit, Edinburgh

Consequences of chromosome abnormalities in the newborn: the Edinburgh Longitudinal Study.

MRC Cognitive Development Unit, London

Development of cognitive abilities of the mentally retarded.

MRC Social Psychiatry Unit, London

  1. (1) Camberwell Mental Retardation Case Registers.
  2. (2) Evaluation of the rundown of a mental handicap hospital and of the alternative services provided.

Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh

  1. (1) An investigation of differences in cognitive development in Down's syndrome and normal infants.
  2. (2) Early learning and development in infants with mental handicap.

Department of Psychology, Institute of Education, London Special abilities in gifted and handicapped children.

In addition, university departments and medical schools and regional health authorities support a range of basic research, from public funds, which may be relevant to the therapeutic and remedial treatment of Down's syndrome.