§ 22. Mr. K. Robinsonasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works, as representing the Lord President of the Council, the total sum expended during the current financial year by the Medical Research Council on tuberculosis research; and the average annual sum expended during the previous five years.
§ Mr. BevinsForty-seven thousand five hundred and fifty pounds and £32,570 respectively.
§ Mr. RobinsonIs the Minister aware that, although the war against this disease is undoubtedly being won, there are still more than 300,000 sufferers in this country, and there were 46,000 new cases last year? Does the hon. Member not think that these amounts are really very small, and will he convey to his noble Friend that it would be most unfortunate to cut down research into this disease at this stage?
§ Mr. BevinsOn the contrary, the money which is being spent on tuberculosis research is increasing. Last year we spent twice as much as we spent in 1950. I think that it is fair to say that one does not judge research by the amount of 1719 money spent on it, but by the results achieved, and I think that we have a fair record.
§ Mr. ShurmerIn view of the accommodation which seems to be needed for tuberculosis patients, is it not possible, as my hon. Friend suggested, for more money to be spent on this research? We are spending sufficient on trying to kill people; we ought to spend more on trying to save them.
§ Mr. BevinsThe Medical Research Council is concerned only with research into the treatment of tuberculosis. Prevention is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health.
§ Mr. RobinsonCan the Minister say how much of this money is being spent on research into new drugs for the treatment of tuberculosis?
§ Mr. BevinsA very large proportion of it, I understand.