§ 59. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Minister of Health whether any progress has been made in obtaining supplies of radium independently of the present foreign monopoly, and especially from mines and workings within the Empire; and what steps are being taken to this end?
§ Mr. GREENWOODThe primary objective is to increase the amount of radium at present available for use in this country, and the Radium Trust has thought it best, with that object, to have recourse to the existing sources of supply, including such supply as is available in this country.
§ Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYI am quite aware of that fact; but is my right hon. Friend aware that the Committee recommended that an effort should be made to get an independent supply in the Empire?
§ Mr. GREENWOODI understand, though I cannot be responsible for it, that the Committee is considering the question now.
§ Mr. C. WILLIAMSHas the right hon. Gentleman made inquiries as to the Cornish supply and the possibility of increasing it?
§ Mr. GREENWOODI understand that is under consideration at the moment.
§ 60. Lieut.-Commander KENWORTHYasked the Minister of Health at what price radium is now being purchased for medical and surgical purposes in the public welfare; and if he is satisfied that the price charged is a fair one?
§ Mr. GREENWOODI understand my hon. and gallant Friend refers to the purchase of radium by the Radium Trust. The Trust will in due course present their annual report and will doubtless deal in it with the question of their purchases.
§ Lieut. - Commander KENWORTHYWill this report be made public?
§ Mr. GREENWOODYes, Sir.