Written question asked by Matthew Banks (Conservative), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 18 March 1997. It was answered by Simon Burns (Conservative) on Tuesday, 18 March 1997 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To what extent his Department currently supports research into clinical depression; and what future plans he has for such support.

Answer: Mr. Banks: To ask the Secretary of State for Health to what extent his Department currently supports research into clinical depression; and what future plans he has for such support. [20202] Mr. Burns: The Department's policy research programme has commissioned a number of studies into severe mental illness, many of which are related to depression. The national health service research and development programme strategy established a national mental health programme in 1992. The main agency through which the Government support medical and clinical research is the Medical Research Council. The MRC is an independent body which receives its grant-in-aid from the Office of Science and Technology, which is part of the Department of Trade and Industry. The MRC has a comprehensive portfolio of research on depressive illness, both at its own establishments and in the form of grant support to universities. These programmes are ongoing.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 20202; 292 c588W
Session: 1996-97
Subjects: Depressive illnesses Mental illness Research Medical Research Council