§ 21. Mr. D. Jonesasked the Minister of Health, as representing the Lord President of the Council, if he will publish the amount of the grant which the Government has made in the latest five years, showing each year separately, to the Cancer Research Organisation.
§ Mr. TurtonI understand that the hon. Member has in mind the British Empire Cancer Campaign. This organisation is supported entirely by voluntary contributions and receives no grant from the Government. I should add that there is, of course, substantial Government expenditure on cancer research through the Medical Research Council which cooperates closely with all voluntary organisations concerned with the problem.
§ Mr. JonesDoes not the right hon. Gentleman realise that this organisation is doing a very useful and valuable job and ought to be encouraged? Is not the best way of encouraging it to spend more of its own money to give some assistance from Government funds?
§ Mr. TurtonI know this organisation is doing most valuable work, but I do not believe that it would welcome a Government grant. I think the present system, whereby the Medical Research Council works very closely with voluntary organisations, is far better.
§ Mr. JonesIf I send the right hon. Gentleman a communication I have received from this organisation asking for this to be done, will he change his mind?
§ Mr. TurtonI should be most inter-tested to see the communication.