§ 37. Dr. MORRIS-JONESasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the recent investigations of Dr. Bendien, of Holland, into the possibility, by means of blood tests, of making the diagnosis of cancer in its early stages certain; and whether he will secure a report from the Medical Research Council upon this method?
§ Mr. GREENWOODMy attention has been drawn to this matter and, in common with all other investigations with regard to this disease which come to notice, it will be considered by the Departmental Committee on Cancer on which the Medical Research Council is represented.
§ Dr. MORRIS-JONESIs the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that his Department gives sufficient support and encouragement to the investigators of the highest eminence in regard to the investigations that they are carrying out?
§ Mr. GREENWOODI shall be glad if the hon. Gentleman will give me information in regard to any cases where it does not.
§ Mr. HANNONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that Dr. Bendien is in London, and will his advisers come into contact with this distinguished gentleman?
§ Mr. GREENWOODIf he will make representations, I have no doubt that that will be arranged.
§ Mr. SMITHERSWhy does the right hon. Gentleman refuse to take notice of these experiments?
§ Mr. GREENWOODI think that I have shown that I have not refused to take notice of them.
§ 53. Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLEasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of recent successful attempts at the diagnosis of cancer by means of blood tests; and whether any special financial assistance is being given by his Department to further this particular line of research under hospital conditions in Great Britain?
§ Mr. GREENWOODI assume that the hon. Member has in mind the investigations which are being undertaken by Dr. Bendien in Holland. This matter will receive the attention of the Departmental Committee on Cancer, and any recommendations of that Committee as to the desirability of further investigations will receive my careful consideration.