§ Ms PerhamTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what support his Department is giving to the establishment of a UK tinnitus research centre; and if he will make a statement. [152151]
§ Dr. Lynne JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to set up a tinnitus research centre. [152157]
§ Mr. HuttonThe Department was asked for advice concerning sources of support for a tinnitus research unit in July 2000. Given the emphasis of the proposal on identifying neuronal and molecular changes and translation research the Department advised that the researchers involved should approach the Medical Research Council (MRC) with this proposal. The MRC is the main Government agency for research into the causes of and treatments for disease and it receives its funding via the Department of Trade and Industry.