22. Mr. H. Wilsonasked the Minister of Health whether he will make available statistical evidence comparing the incidence of lung cancer in urban areas and rural areas, respectively, and his conclusions showing what connection exists between smoke, fog and lung cancer.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodStatistics of mortality from cancer of the lung in aggregates of urban areas and rural areas are published each year in the Registrar General's Annual Reviews. While these show a definite increase in mortality in the more built-up areas, I am advised that they do not justify any firm conclusion on the question of a connection between smoke, fog and lung cancer.
Mr. WilsonWill the right hon. Gentleman say whether any intensive research is being undertaken into the detailed figures of particular areas which are highly susceptible to fog and smoke, and if there is not much being done in that way, will he recognise the urgency of doing something about it?
§ Mr. MacleodThere is a good deal of research going on with regard to this particular point, both by the Medical Research Council and the British Empire Cancer Campaign.
§ Dr. StrossHas the Minister any further information, as smoke includes cigarette smoke, whether the incidence therefrom is now proven?
§ Mr. MacleodI am trying to make it a rule in this difficult matter not to speculate, because there are many theories and I think that it would not be wise to do so.
§ 54. Mr. Doddsasked the Minister of Health if he will make a statement giving the results of his circular requesting hospitals to do everything possible to achieve the registration of all cases of cancer.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodI have nothing to add to the answer I gave to the hon. Member on 19th October.
§ Mr. DoddsWill the right hon. Gentleman look at the answer again? Does he recollect that on 18th March he told me that he expected a registration of 58,000 for 1953, but he did not give any of that information in his answer in October? I am asking for the results.
§ Mr. MacleodI answered this question on 19th October, and I really cannot ask all hospital authorities for a report every week or two on a matter like this. I am quite certain that they are carrying out the different instructions, as I have asked them to do, and when I have any information of value to give to the House I will certainly give it.
§ Mr. GowerWill my right hon. Friend consider the possibility of hospitals, wherever the relatives do not object, obtaining details of the case history and the dietary habits of persons who die of cancer? Is he aware that two relations of mine have died of it in the last few years and, as far as I know, no questions were asked of me or of any of my relations about the history of these people, how they lived, what habits they had and what they ate, which I think would have been most helpful?
§ Mr. MacleodIt might be helpful, but it is a very different question from the one on the Order Paper.
§ Mr. DoddsDoes not the Minister recollect that on 18th March he said he has asked for reports by 30th June and that he expected the number would be 58,000? Does that mean that he has not got one report?
§ Mr. MacleodNo, I have given the reports that I have already referred to in response to Questions in the House, including in particular the Question by the hon. Member on 19th October.