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Dept of Health

Answer

Mrs. Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what steps are being taken to improve (a) awareness of and (b) training on dyspraxia for health professionals; [190582] (2) what research he has evaluated on the relationship between dyspraxia and (a) diet, (b) crime, (c) drug and alcohol abuse, (d) suicide and (e) homelessness; and if he will make a statement. [190597] Ms Rosie Winterton: None. The main agency through which the Government support medical and clinical research is the Medical Research Council (MRC). The MRC is an independent body funded by the Department of Trade and Industry via the Office of Science and Technology. The MRC does not directly commission research projects or earmark funds for particular research areas. Projects are normally funded on a competitive basis in response to proposals submitted across all areas of research relevant to human health. In addition, the MRC identifies priorities for medical research in a number of ways, including strategic reviews of specific areas of science and by responding to the Department's priorities. We have no specific plans to raise awareness of dyspraxia among health professionals. The Department is not responsible for setting curricula for health professional training; that is the responsibility of the statutory and professional bodies. However, we do share a commitment with those bodies that all health professionals are trained so that they have the skills and knowledge to deliver a high quality health service to all groups of the population with whom they deal.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

426 c1963W;426 c1969W; 190582;190597

Session

2003-04

Subjects

Crime Alcoholic drinks Diets Drugs Health professions Homelessness Misuse Nutrition Training Research Suicide Dyspraxia

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk