§ 8. Dr. Strossasked the Minister of Health whether he has noted that the death rate during 1951 from cancer of the lung and bronchus was higher than the death rate from respiratory tuberculosis; and what explanation can be given for the recent and alarming increase in the death rate from the former condition.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodYes, Sir. The reason for the increase is not yet known, but research is being continued in this country and abroad.
§ Dr. StrossHas the Minister not yet accepted the advice provisionally given by the Medical Research Council and research workers in America, that there may be some association between the rapid rise in cancer of the lung and bronchus and cigarette smoking; and if his Department has come to any conclusion, would he say what it is?
§ Mr. MacleodI have considered that, but my Standing Advisory Committee consider that further investigation is necessary before a final conclusion can be reached on that matter which, as the hon. Member with his medical knowledge knows, is still in dispute.
§ Mr. HastingsIn view of the extreme importance of this question, would not the Minister consider appointing a special committee of inquiry to deal with it promptly, because many people, as he well knows, are very anxious about it?
§ Mr. MacleodI am always prepared to consider any suggestion of that nature, but I already have a Standing Advisory Committee on this matter, and I prefer to leave it in their hands since I have full confidence in them.