Commons Sense

Hansard-based summaries and metrics

Brain Tumours NIHR Research Grants

2021-04-13

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Response quality

Questions & Answers

Q1 Partial Answer
Ruth Cadbury Lab
Brentford and Isleworth
▸ Context
The question arises from discussions about the need to increase research funding for treating brain tumours. In 2018, the Government announced a £40 million fund over five years through the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) as part of the Tessa Jowell Brain Cancer Mission.
What discussions has the Minister had with the National Institute for Health Research on increasing the number of research grants for the treatment of brain tumours? The £40 million fund announced in 2018 is welcome, but only £6 million has been delivered. Will the Minister commit to a more proactive approach, such as ensuring that brain tumour experts sit on grant panels?
Jo Churchill
The Government has committed £40 million over five years for brain tumour research through the NIHR. So far, £8.8 million has been allocated based on programme and academy spend. The Minister will look at the suggestion to have experts sit on grant panels.
▸ Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked specifically about committing to having brain tumour experts on grant panels, but the answer was vague without a clear commitment.
Response accuracy
Q2 Partial Answer
Ruth Cadbury Lab
Brentford and Isleworth
▸ Context
The question is prompted by the need to increase research funding for treating brain tumours. The £40 million fund announced in 2018 has seen limited disbursement, with only £6 million of the committed amount being delivered.
My constituent Greg's young nephew suffers from a brain tumour. Despite the £40 million of funding promised by the Government, only £6 million has been delivered, and there are still difficulties for those seeking grants for this research. Will the Minister commit to taking a more proactive approach, such as ensuring that brain tumour experts sit on grant panels?
Jo Churchill
I would like to extend my good wishes to Greg's nephew. So far, £8.8 million has been committed based on NIHR programme and academy spend. The quality of applications is crucial, and brain tumours are a significant challenge. I will look at the suggestion for having experts on grant panels.
▸ Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not commit to having brain tumour experts on grant review panels but said she would consider it.
Response accuracy