§ 30. Sir A. M. SAMUELasked the Minister of Health whether his records show an increase or a decrease in the incidence of cases of cancer in the lung over a period of recent years; and whether various users of coal-tar products in general, and the use of coal-tar on roads in particular, have been investigated as possible causes of cancer in the lung among the public and those employed in spraying roads with tar?
§ The MINISTER of HEALTH (Sir Hilton Young)No figures are available as to the incidence of this disease, but the mortality statistics show an increase in recent years in the number of deaths attributed by medical certificate to cancer of the lung. I am advised that a proportion of this increase may be assigned to improved means of diagnosis. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative. These investigations are being continued, but I am advised that prolonged inquiries will be necessary before any definite conclusions can be reached.
§ Mr. D. GRENFELLWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether the investigation will include the examination of the figures derived from industrial occupations, or will it be confined simply to the question of coal-tar on the roads? Will the right hon. Gentleman make a special independent investigation into the incidence of cancer of the respiratory organs in certain industries in which such cancer is found to be prevalent?
§ Sir H. YOUNGThe investigation will cover the question of the effects of coal-tar only, but will, of course, embrace the whole field of information, including industrial occupations.
§ Sir A. M. SAMUELDoes my right hon. Friend mean that the investigation is to range over a wide field of all coal-tar derivatives, apart from the effects of coal-tar?
§ Sir H. YOUNGI should require notice as to the exact scope of the investigation, 470 but I can say that the investigation certainly will include the whole field of knowledge that can lead to a useful conclusion on the effect of coal-tar.
Commander LOCKER-LAMPSONIs not smoking one of the greatest contributory causes of cancer, and will that question also be examined?
§ Sir H. YOUNGI should like to give an accurate answer to that question, though it does not arise from the question on the Paper. Perhaps my hon. and gallant Friend will give me notice of the question.