§ 14. Lieut.-Colonel FREMANTLEasked the Minister of Health whether the British Empire Cancer Campaign was consulted before the Government decided its action with regard to the proposed radium appeal; and whether the Campaign, as the principal association for the promotion of cancer research, will be asked to undertake the appeal to the public for funds?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINThe answer to both questions is in the negative. While I appreciate the work being done by the British Empire Cancer Campaign in regard to cancer, I should hesitate to accept the estimation of its position in regard to cancer research contained in my hon. and gallant Friend's question.
§ Lieut.-Colonel FREMANTLEDoes the Minister of Health not know that the Cancer, Campaign prepared an appeal some time ago on a very extensive scale, and has he considered the advisability of putting the appeal into their hands?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI understood that that was a matter for research and 1041 research only, but, according to the general opinion, it is much more than a matter of research.
§ Lieut.-Colonel FREMANTLEDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that the term "research" is used because it is used in the report of the Committee? As a matter of fact, they have appealed very widely for radium, and they have a large stock in hand. Therefore, they are the body to do exactly what is suggested by the Committee on Civil Research. Will the right hon. Gentleman not give us a chance of discussing this question before an appeal is made?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI do not see any necessity for that at all. My hon. and gallant Friend is mistaken if he supposes that the whole of the recommendations of the Committee dealt with research.
§ Mr. R. MORRISONWill the appeal to the public to subscribe take place before the General Election?
§ 47. Mr. R. MORRISONasked the Prime Minister what guarantees the Radium Committee have received that the proposed purchase of 20 grammes of radium by voluntary and State funds can be effected at a lower price than the existing price for Great Britain of £12,000 per gramme?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI have been asked to reply. The sub-Committee were not in a position to secure any guarantee that 20 grammes of radium bought through a single agency would be cheaper than very much smaller amounts bought by numerous purchasers; but the hon. Member will find their reasons for their opinion on the point in paragraphs 71 and 82 of their Report.