§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how much was spent on(a) medical, (b) social and (c) applied research into (i) causes, (ii) treatment and (iii) management of neurological conditions in the last year for which figures are available. [99377]
§ Jacqui SmithThe main Government agency for research into the causes of and treatments for disease is the Medical Research Council (MRC) which receives its funding via the Department of Trade and Industry. The MRC spent an estimated £24.6 million in 2001–02 on its neurological disorders portfolio; this covers all the areas of research referred to in the question.
The Department of Health funds research to support policy and the delivery of effective practice in the national health service. The Department spent an estimated £2 million in 2001–02 on directly commissioned research projects on the treatment and management of neurological conditions. In addition to specific projects, the Department also provides support for research commissioned by charities and the research councils that takes place in the NHS. Management of much of the research supported by NHS research and development funding is devolved and expenditure at project level is not held centrally by the Department. The total investment is therefore considerably greater than just the spend on directly commissioned projects.