§ Angela SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans his Department has to undertake further research into air pollution and asthma. [120159]
§ Yvette Cooper[holding answer 9 May 2000]: The prevention and treatment of asthma are high priority topics within the Department's research programmes. The Department's Policy Research Programme has been funding for some years a programme of research on the public health aspects of asthma, aimed at providing a clearer scientific understanding of the causes of asthma and hence how it might be prevented. One of the major strands of research within this programme relates to studies on the effects of outdoor air pollution on patients with asthma. This work is currently funded until the end of the year, but it has been agreed to extend this contract for a further period and consideration is now being given to continuing the programme for a further five years.
463WThe Department has also funded a number of research projects that consider the possible effects of both indoor and outdoor pollution on asthma and respiratory disease. Many of these projects are still in progress and will continue over the next few years.