§ Ms AthertonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what research his Department has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated into the effectiveness of the percutaneous vertebroplasty operation; and if he will make a statement. [126266]
§ Mr. DenhamThe Department is not funding any research into the effectiveness of the percutaneous vertebroplasty operation. Priorities for departmental research and development support for the development of policy are determined through discussion with policy colleagues, the Departmental Research Committee and Ministers. In the National Health Service research and development programme, priorities take account of356W widespread consultation with those using, delivering and managing services, within a framework overseen by the Central Research and Development Committee for the NHS. In all cases, priorities for our budgets reflect analysis of the burden of disease, potential benefits, our priorities and take account of the responsibilities and work of other funders.