§ Mr. RichardsTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what response he has received to the consultative document "Health and Social Care Research, Wales".
§ Mr. Gwilym JonesWe have received 33 responses from a range of research institutions and other interested bodies. The majority were broadly in favour of the approach recommended in the document, which was to maintain the current arrangements for supporting health and social care research and development in Wales, within the context of a more clearly defined strategy and closer co-ordination at all levels. While some respondents called for a separate Welsh research and development function, most favoured continued participation in the joint England and Wales programme although all wished Welsh interests to be clearly and properly represented. We intend therefore to proceed in line with the recommendations made in the consultative document, including the drawing up of a formal agrement between the Welsh Office and the Department of Health regarding activity under the joint programme. The NHS Wales research and development strategy which is being developed during this year will be a core element of the overall strategy for health and social care research in Wales.