HC Deb 23 October 1952 vol 505 cc1241-2
32. Mr. J. Hall

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware of the constant appeal for funds on behalf of the British Empire Cancer Campaign; and if he will consider increasing Government assistance to facilitate the work of this worthy cause.

Mr. Iain Macleod

The extension of cancer research financed from Government funds is constantly under review by my Department in consultation with the Medical Research Council. But I should not wish to discourage appeals by bodies like this to enable them to assist additional research activities.

Mr. Hall

Does not the Minister think it would be better if the Government took over the whole of the contributions to the Medical Research Council rather than have this work restricted by inadequate subscriptions from voluntary organisations?

Mr. Macleod

It is an arguable matter. Personally, I would say no. I think it is best that the Government continue, through the Medical Research Council, voluntary hospitals and the universities, to pursue their own investigations, but that that should not bar a voluntary body from proceeding on lines which are perhaps outside what the Government themselves are trying to do.

Colonel Gomme-Duncan

Would my right hon. Friend bear in mind that there is evidence of a certain amount of friction among bodies concerned with the study and cure of cancer? Would he do all in his power to bring them together, because it seems to me that this is essentially a matter which should have a forward drive on the part of everybody, even if there is not quite agreement on the methods used?

Mr. Macleod

I am fully in sympathy with my hon. and gallant Friend's point of view.

Mr. Fernyhough

Does not the Minister think that the nation's values are wrong when there is no limit to the expenditure on atomic research while there is a limit to the grants which the Government are prepared to make towards the discovery of a cure for a disease which is killing thousands every year?

Mr. Macleod

There is not necessarily any limit at all. I made a close investigation into this very shortly after I became Minister and I was satisfied that research was not being held up in any way through lack of finance.