§ 5. Mr. Doddsasked the Minister of Health if he will make a statement showing the results of his circular requesting hospitals to do everything possible to achieve the registration of all cases of cancer.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodThe circular asked hospital boards to report on the present state and projected development of cancer registration not later than 30th June, 1954. The results have been generally encouraging. A number of hospitals have agreed to take part for the first time, and three more hospital regions have decided to set up central registration bureaux. It will not be possible to assess the increase in cases registered far some time, owing to the need to verify and follow up new registrations.
§ Mr. DoddsWhile I appreciate the need for secrecy in many aspects of this work, is the Minister not aware that there is great uneasiness amongst the public about cancer and that anything he might do to identify and deal with this disease would be greatly appreciated? At some time, could a statement be made which would give the public the feeling that everything possible was being done to overcome this disease?
§ Mr. MacleodI am grateful for that supplementary question, and I agree entirely with it. I certainly will do everything I can in that regard. On the question of the details of registration, although the figures so far are encouraging, it will be a few months yet before we have the final figures of registration. I will let the hon. Member know at once when we have them, so that he can put down a Question.