§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how her policy of basing practice on clinical effectiveness will be implemented in those areas where knowledge of clinical effectiveness is of poor quality or lacking; what steps she is taking to fill these gaps in knowledge; and what efforts are being made to recruit, train and retain the staff needed to do this health service research.
§ Dr. MawhinneyIt is the responsibility of clinicians. in the first instance, to provide the most clinically effective interventions. The national health service research and development strategy aims to promote research into areas where there is a paucity of information and results should have greatest benefits. The research councils and universities take the lead in recruiting, training and retaining staff to carry out health services research, together with professional organisations and charities. The health departments work closely with these bodies with the aim of ensuring that there are sufficient trained researchers to meet the needs of the NHS.