HC Deb 24 January 1929 vol 224 c315
28. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

asked the Minister of Health what steps are being taken to see that an adequate supply of radium is available, especially for the treatment of cancer, for the smaller hospitals and at a reasonable price; and if any steps are being taken to obtain radium in commercial quantities from within the British Empire?

32. Mr. R. MORRISON

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the fact that the treatment of cancer by radium is being seriously handicapped by the difficulty of obtaining supplies, he has any information as to the possibility of an increased supply and a reduction in the present cost?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I am not at present in a position to add anything to the reply given to a similar question on the 5th December, in which it was stated that the whole subject of radium requirements and supplies is under consideration by the sub-committee of the Committee of Civil Research.

Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHY

In the meantime, is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the matter is very urgent for the smaller and poorer hospitals, in view of the tremendous price that the monopoly is charging for this substance?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

Yes, I sum quite aware of that, and I am trying to get the Report as quickly as possible.

Mr. R. MORRISON

Can the right hon. Gentleman, for the guidance of voluntary hospitals, issue a statement of the information in the possession of his Department on the subject?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

No, I do not think any useful purpose would be served by doing that.