HC Deb 02 February 1994 vol 236 cc721-2W
Mr. Blunkett

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to her answer of 26 November,Official Report, columns 242–44, what discussions her Department has had with research unit directors about the adequacy of the review procedure.

Dr. Mawhinney

As stated in the previous reply to the hon. Member, expert peer review of long-term research contracts is well established and unit directors are given the opportunity to comment fully on the text of reports. The present round of site visits was discussed with unit directors when they met with the Department's director of research and development on 27 November 1992.

Mr. Blunkett

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to her answer of 26 November,Official Report, columns 242–44, which of the reports of site visits of her Department's research units which have already taken place have been discussed with the relevant unit director; and how soon her Department will be initiating discussions about site visit reports with directors of other units which have alredy been reviewed.

Dr. Mawhinney

Directors have had an opportunity to comment on reports of site visits to the following units:

  • Childhood Cancer Research Group
  • National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit
  • Medical Care Research Unit
  • Centre for Primary Care Research
  • Social Medicine and Health Services Research Unit
  • National Institute for Social Work Training

Site visit reports are in preparation for:

  • Cancer Screening Evaluation Unit
  • Clinical Operation Research Unit
  • Social Policy Research Unit

Dates for visits to the remaining four units have yet to be arranged. In keeping with established review practice, directors will have an opportunity to comment on all reports still outstanding as soon as they become available from the review teams.