§ Ms Oona KingTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how much public money was allocated to research to find a cure for sickle cell and thalassaemia in each of the last 10 years. [106195]
§ Yvette CooperGovernment expenditure on directly commissioned research projects on sickle cell disease and thalassaemia since 1994–95 is as follows:
- 1994–95: £550,000
- 1995–96: £964,000
- 1996–97: £988,000
- 1997–98: £930,000
- 1998–99: £884,000
Figures for the total spend in previous years is not available.
Most of this support has been provided through the Medical Research Council (MRC), which is the main agency through which the Government support research into the causes and treatment of disease. The MRC receives most of its income via grant-in-aid from the office of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry.
Project funding from the Department and the Department for International Development is also included in the figures.
In addition to directly commissioned projects, the Department of Health supports research in the NHS funded by research councils and charities. It is not possible to estimate exactly how much is spent on sickle cell research, but three London Hospitals alone estimate that they are spending £450,000 per annum of Department funding on research related to sickle cell and thalassaemia. A detailed breakdown for the last 10 years is not available as research spending is devolved for much of the period. Details of projects can be found on the National Research Register which is available in most medical libraries on CD Rom and on the internet: http:/www.doh.gov.uk/nrr.htm. The NRR contains a number of projects relating to sickle cell and thalassaemia.
We also make considerable investment in genetics and gene therapy research which will inform sickle cell and thalassaemia.
The MRC has been actively seeking opportunities to strengthen sickle cell research in the United Kingdom.