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Mr. Carter-Jones
asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what are the latest developments in research into the cause of spina bifida.
Mrs. Shirley Williams
Research supported by the Medical Research Council has established the genetic links of spina bifida to the common neural tube malformations. Recent findings suggest that its incidence is greatest among children born in the winter months and varies with geographical location and social class. Environmental factors are thought to play a part and are being investigated.