HC Deb 21 September 1948 vol 456 cc699-700
56. Air-Commodore Harvey

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer if he is satisfied that sufficient U.S. currency has been made available to enable modern equipment to be purchased for the treatment of cancer.

Mr. Glenvil Hall

has been agreed with the British Empire Cancer Campaign that dollar exchange will be made available for the purchase of any scientific apparatus essential for cancer research which can only be obtained from the United States.

Air-Commodore Harvey

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for his reply, may I ask whether he is aware that there is a feeling in the medical profession that for much equipment which is required dollars are not available, and if these requests are made to the Bank of England will he instruct the Bank to deal with these applications favourably?

Mr. Glenvil Hall

My information is that everything is working very smoothly. We have had no complaints whatever. In all cases where application has been made, dollars have been forthcoming.

Mr. Erroll

As the right hon. Gentleman referred only to equipment for cancer research, does his reply, therefore, imply that no dollars are to be available for the purchase of equipment for cancer treatment as opposed to cancer research?

Mr. Glenvil Hall

As to treatment, no application has been made. If an application is made, dollars will be found.

Mr. Scollan

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the medical profession in the United States are no nearer finding a cure for cancer than they are in this country?

Mr. Michael Astor

Does the right hon. Gentleman's reply also apply to certain drugs now used in the United States to treat tuberculosis?

Mr. Glenvil Hall

The Question on the Order Paper referred to equipment, and I have answered that Question.