§ 39. Mr. FORRESTasked the Minister of Health whether, in connection with 573 the prevention of cancer, his attention has been drawn to the establishment in America of free clinics whereat all persons with suspicious growths are able to attend, whether he has ascertained if medical opinion in this country is in favour of the inauguration of such centres here; and, if so, whether he can give any estimate of what the cost would be?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI am aware that certain free clinics have been established in the United States for the purposes indicated by the hon. Member. As regards this country, there are numerous out-patient departments of general hospitals and other medical institutions (specialised for the treatment of cancer or otherwise), at which persons who suspect that they are suffering from the early stages of cancer can receive gratuitous diagnosis, advice and treatment. In July, 1923, the Departmental Committee on Cancer, appointed by one of my predecessors, made certain recommendations as to the way in which local facilities for early diagnosis and treatment of this disease might be improved by local action. These recommendations were embodied in a circular issued by my Department by local authorities on the 14th August, 1923, and are I understand now being followed in several of the larger cities. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of the circular.