Oral Answers to Questions

Henry Smith Excerpts

Tuesday 26th February 2013 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

If the hon. Member for Crawley (Henry Smith) wishes to come in on this question, he may, but he is not obliged to do so.

[Henry Smith (Crawley) (Con)]

On Question 13, sir.

[Mr Speaker]

We will get to No. 13 in due course. Never mind.

--- Later in debate ---

[Norman Lamb]

There are plans to increase the number of training places for GPs, with the aim of providing more than 3,000 extra places by 2015. That will fully meet the needs to which the hon. Lady has referred.

[Henry Smith (Crawley) (Con)]

13. What steps he has taken to support research on the most common causes of premature mortality.

[The Secretary of State for Health (Mr Jeremy Hunt)]

We are still far too low in the European league tables for premature mortality, particularly in respect of cancer, liver disease and respiratory diseases. I have therefore made improving our performance a key priority.

[Henry Smith]

Can the Minister say a little more about what is being done to prevent early mortality as a result of heart disease?

[Mr Hunt]

We are investing £34 million in cardiovascular research. Much excellent work is being done at, in particular, the Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, which will help us to make great strides.