§ 50. Mr. R. MORRISONasked the Minister of Health, in view of the necessity for an adequate supply of radium, when he expects to receive the Report of the Sub-Committee of the Committee of Civil Research?
§ Sir K. WOODThe Sub-Committee will not report to my right hon. Friend and he cannot say when their Report will be received. But my right hon. Friend has arranged for the inquiries made on the subject in the House to be brought to the notice of the Sub-Committee and he trusts that their Report will be available at an early date.
§ Mr. MORRISONIs it not a fact that the lives of thousands of people in this country are seriously endangered because they are unable to receive this treatment? Could not the Ministry of Health publish such information as they have as to the amount of radium available for use in the hospitals, and is any attempt being made by holding supplies back to force up the price? Is not the Ministry of Health interested in this matter?
§ Sir K. WOODThe Ministry of Health is very much interested in it, and I think it would be far better to await the Report of the sub-committee that has been set up to deal with the matter.
§ Mr. MORRISONShall we have their Report at an early date?
§ Sir K. WOODMy right hon. Friend has communicated to the sub-committee questions such as the hon. Member has put with a view if possible of expediting the matter.
§ Mr. MORRISONIf I put down a question in a fortnight's time, does the right hon. Gentleman think we shall have the Report?
§ Sir K. WOODIt is impossible to say when the sub-committee will report, but I may be able to communicate with the hon. Member.