§ Alan SimpsonTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what biotechnology research projects in(a) agriculture and (b) biomedics have been supported by her Department; and what public investment has gone into them in each of the last three years. [73238]
§ Clare ShortSeparate data are not maintained of the many projects using biotechnology techniques for research purposes.
Biotechnology research projects in agriculture and related disciplines involving the potential release of genetically modified organisms in developing countries, and studies on genetic modification issues, are listed on the DFID website www.dfid.gov.uk. Expenditure on these projects in the last three years was: 1999–2000 £645,136; 2000–01 £767,479; 2001–02 £873,516.
A briefing note on genetically modified organisms and developing countries is also on the website.
DFID invests in biomedical research to develop new drugs, vaccines and other products to prevent disease in developing countries.
Since 2001, £1.5 million has been invested in the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative. The Medicines for Malaria Venture has been given £1 million a year over the last three years to expedite discovery of the next generation of anti—malarial drugs.
Through the UK Medical Research Council (MRC), DFID began funding a five year £16 million Microbicides Development Programme in the current financial year. In addition, DFID's concordat with the MRC involves a contribution in excess of £4 million a year to their research portfolio which includes basic biomedical research relevant to the health of poor people in developing countries.
DFID's contribution of about £10 million a year to the World Health Organisation includes funds for its tropical diseases research programme. This funding is not earmarked and data are not available of the exact sums going to the programme and the amounts used for biomedical research.