§ Mr. KirkwoodTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (1) if he will list all projects currently being undertaken by the Medical Research Council specifically targeted at the problems of tinnitus; and how much money has been allocated to each project;
(2) if he will list all projects currently being undertaken by the Institute of Hearing Research specifically targeted at the problems of tinnitus; and how much money has been allocated to each project;
(3) what plans he has to fund medical research projects specifically targeted at the relief of tinnitus; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. William WaldegraveThe main Government agency for the funding of medical research is the Medical Research Council (MRC). The MRC's Institute of Hearing Research in Nottingham is conducting research into the epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment of tinnitus and the rehabilitation of tinnitus sufferers. There is one project directly relevant to this condition entitled "Clinical and Psychoacoustical Studies of Tinnitus". Elements of other projects being undertaken at the Institute of Hearing Research are also applicable to the problem of tinnitus. In the last financial year, 1991–92, the expenditure figure for research specifically targeted at the problem of tinnitus was £129,000. In addition, the council supports a considerable number of projects in hearing research, many of which may have implications for the understanding of this condition. The council's total expenditure on hearing research in 1991–92 was £2.6 million.
The council is always willing to consider soundly based scientific proposals in competition with other applications.