Written questions by McNally.

Innovation and Technology, what steps she is taking to increase funding for motor neurone disease research.

I’m aware that my Hon. Friend recently visited the UK Dementia Research Institute at the University of Edinburgh to see their important work.We have invested £12.5 million in the Institute to support the best discovery science in MND.Since 2022, UKRI has awarded over £3 million to MND projects led by Scottish research organisations.We will continue to work closely with the Department of Health and Social Care to support research into this terrible disease.

Innovation and Technology, when he next intends to meet with (a) Scottish Government ministers and officials, and (b) representatives from Scottish charities, universities and industry to discuss the ongoing priorities for motor neurone disease research in Scotland.

The Secretary of State has had positive early engagement with Scottish Government Ministers and looks forward to working further on their shared priorities for Scotland. The Minister for Science, Research and Innovation also met with Scottish Government Ministers on 10th October to discuss opportunities for shared investment opportunities across science and research.The UK life sciences sector benefits from a diversity of medical research charity funders and officials meet with medical research charities across the UK on a quarterly basis through the DSIT Medical Research Charities Forum.

Innovation and Technology, whether he plans to provide additional funding for motor neurone disease research in Scotland.

Funding has been distributed to 92 charities across the UK supporting 1200 doctoral students and early career researchers including over £330,000 to MND Scotland. MND research has benefited more generally from over £1.6 million of funding across the UK.The Medical Research Council has awarded £1.9 million to MND projects led by Scottish research organisations, including researchers at various career stages.