HC Deb 07 May 1996 vol 277 c32W
Mr. Alfred Morris

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what study his Department has made of the progress of research(a) in the United Kingdom and (b) abroad into the use of implants to activate the muscles of people with spinal injuries; what action he will be taking to expedite such research in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement. [28696]

Mr. Bowis

The Medical Research Council is funding two linked projects into the use of implants to stimulate the muscles of people with spinal injuries:

  1. (i) Development of a multi-channel lumbo-sacral motor root stimulator implant—October 1992 to September 1995;
  2. (ii) To explore the use of lumbar anterior root stimulator implants. Funding of £212,000 has been allocated for this two-year project, which began in October 1995.