Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department plans to commission updated research into the long-term health effects of Poly Implant Prothèse breast implants on women.

The Department commissions research through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). The NIHR is not currently funding any specific research into long-term health effects of Poly Implant Prothèse breast (PIP) implants but welcomes funding applications for research into any aspect of women’s health. Applications are subject to peer review and judged in open competition, with awards being made based on the importance of the topic to patients and health and care services, value for money and scientific quality.

The Department does not hold information related to breast implant safety research funded by other sources.