Lung Cancer (Smoking)

HC Deb 07 May 1956 vol 552 cc802-5

4. Mr. Chapman

asked the Minister of Health whether he will now state what action he considers appropriate to inform the public of the dangers of lung cancer from excessive smoking

6. Lieut.-Colonel Lipton

asked the Minister of Health whether he has now decided to publish information on the connection between smoking and lung cancer

12. Mr. Vaughan-Morgan

asked the Minister of Health whether he is now in a position to make a public statement as to the effect of smoking in producing carcinoma of the lung

Mr. Turton

Since my predecessor made a statement in February, 1954, investigations into the possible connection of smoking and cancer of the lung have been proceeding in this and other countries. Two known cancer-producing agents have been identified in tobacco smoke, but whether they have a direct role in producing lung cancer, and if so what, has not been proved

The extent of the problem should be neither minimised nor exaggerated. The number of deaths from cancer of the lung has risen from 2,286 in 1931 to 17,271 last year. To place the figures in perspective—in 1954, out of every thousand deaths of men aged between 45 and 74, 77 were from bronchitis, 112 were from strokes and apoplexies and 234 were from cancer, of which 85 were cancer of the lung. Deaths of women from cancer of the lung are still not very significant and represent a small fraction of the total.

The chairman of a committee of the Medical Research Council which has been investigating the subject considers that the fact that a causal agent has not yet been recognised should not be allowed to obscure the fact that there is, statistically, an incontrovertible association between cigarette smoking and the incidence of lung cancer. The statistical evidence from this and other countries to which he refers tends to show that mortality from cancer of the lung is twenty times greater amongst heavy smokers than amongst non-smokers.

The Government will take such steps as are necessary to ensure that the public are kept informed of all the relevant information as and when it becomes available

Mr. Chapman

While thanking the Minister for at last saying something very forthright on this issue, may I first ask him what line of action he will take to inform the public about this danger? Has he in mind something as widespread as the campaign against diphtheria and in favour of diphtheria immunisation; and secondly, will he give us an assurance that the Government will take the initiative in such a campaign and will not leave it simply to the local authorities to do so if they wish?

Mr. Turton

In my view, in the present stage of our knowledge, a national publicity campaign would not be appropriate

Mr. Vaughan-Morgan

Is there any evidence particularly with regard to pipe smoking—my right hon. Friend mentioned cigarette smoking; secondly, is there any evidence from the statistics as to how those who give up smoking are affected?

Mr. Turton

It would appear that pipe smokers face a heavier risk than non-smokers, but the risk is substantially less than that incurred by heavy cigarette smokers. With regard to the second part of the supplementary question, there is some evidence that the risk of contracting cancer of the lung decreases when smoking is given up

Dr. Summerskill

In view of the fact that the Minister for the first time is informing the country that tobacco smoke has certain carcinogenic properties and has made an emphatic statement, would he not agree that it was rather unfortunate that this statement came after the statement by eminent authorities on the radio and on television? I cannot answer for the authorities of the House, but I understand that a film was even shown in this building last week. Is it not unfortunate that the Minister's statement should follow these statements and not precede them, and in view of the gravity of the present statement, will he say why he will not give us a periodic review of the situation?

Mr. Turton

I can deal with the last part of the right hon. Lady's supplementary question at once. Whenever any more knowledge becomes available, I shall deem it my duty to put it before the House at once. That is what I have done in this case, but I must first of all see what has been the increase in knowledge since the last statement made. With regard to the first part of the right hon. Lady's question, she was not entirely fair. I did tell the House some time ago that two cancer-producing substances had been identified in tobacco smoke.

Captain Orr

Can my right hon. Friend say whether the statistics differentiate between those smokers who inhale and those who do not?

Mr. Turton

I am afraid that would be beyond the capacity of the statisticians

Dr. Stross

Will the Minister agree that there is now at least ample evidence to suggest that he should consult his right hon. Friend the Minister of Education and that all efforts should be made to bring this knowledge before school-leavers, boys and girls, in order that they at least may have some warning as to what may be the result of becoming as addicted to this habit as so many of us are?

Mr. Turton

I have given my decision regarding a national publicity campaign. Any matter regarding what is done by the Minister of Education should be addressed to him

Mr. Blenkinsop

Surely the Minister will review his statement with regard to a national campaign? Is it not highly important that any information that may become available should be reviewed from time to time?

Mr. Turton

I quite agree. I certainly shall review it.