§ Mr. MeacherTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what research he has commissioned to create new mutations of viruses that can be deprived of their species' specific properties; and which of these viruses(a) are being and (b) have been used for genetic engineering. [130424]
§ Miss Melanie Johnson[holding answer 16 September 2003]Genetically disabled viruses are widely used in scientific and medical research. The focus of funding provided by the Department is primarily on research that brings the benefits of new medicines into the National Health Service. Basic scientific research of the type referred to in the question is mainly commissioned through the Medical Research Council.