§ Dr. GibsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps the Government are taking to support stem cell research to combat disease. [77489]
§ Ms BlearsThe Government believe that the UK is well placed to remain a world leader in stem cell research.
The Government have been working with funding agencies and other research bodies to make stem cell research a priority area for funding. The Medical Research Council (MRC) has taken the lead with other funders in developing a national Stem Cell Initiative.
Outcomes during 2002 include new appointments and research support, the establishment of the national stem cell bank and the organisation of a major stem cell conference that was opened by my noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary for the Department for Trade and Industry Lord Sainsbury and attended by 400 delegates from 10 countries, including representatives of 20 companies.
§ Dr. GibsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what resources are being allocated to the setting up of the stem cell bank. [77491]
§ Ms BlearsThe Medical Research Council (MRC) announced details of the new national stem cell bank in September 2002. MRC has awarded a grant to the National Institute for Biological Standards and Control (NIBSC) to establish and run the United Kingdom stem cell bank for an initial period of three years at a total cost of £2.6 million. The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) will contribute 25 per cent., of the set up costs; MRC will manage the grant.
The grant will commence on 1 January 2003 and the funding profile is as follows:
275W
£000 Year 1 472 Year 2 1,305 Year 3 822 Total 2,599 Additional moneys will be sought for phase two of the bank, specifically relating to increasing capacity for therapeutic purposes.