Written question asked by Chris Ruane (Labour) on Wednesday, 10 March 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 22 March 2004. It was answered by Stephen Ladyman (Labour) on Monday, 22 March 2004 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what funding his Department has allocated for future years for research into incontinence resulting from childbirth; what research has been undertaken in the UK by the public sector on incontinence directly resulting from childbirth; what research on the subject conducted by private sector organisations he has received; and if he will make a statement. - Inc figure.

Answer: Chris Ruane: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what funding his Department has allocated for future years for research into incontinence resulting from childbirth; [161238] (2) what research has been undertaken in the UK by the public sector on incontinence directly resulting from childbirth; what research on the subject conducted by private sector organisations he has received; and if he will make a statement. [161239] Dr. Ladyman: Details of research projects relating to both incontinence and childbirth funded by, or of interest to, the National Health Service are available on the National Research Register (NRR) at www.update- software.com/national. The NRR currently contains details of four on-going and around 30 completed projects in this area. Many of these projects are funded through allocations made annually to NHS providers for research to meet the priorities and needs of the NHS and to meet the costs to the NHS of hosting research supported by external funders. The total amount allocated to NHS providers in 2003-04 for research and development was £442 million. The Department has not received any research conducted by private sector organisations on incontinence directly resulting from childbirth.

Secondary information