39. Mr. Gresham Cookeasked the Minister of Health, as representing the Lord President of the Council, if he will consult the Medical Research Council for its advice on the taking of snuff as a safe alternative to smoking; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Vaughan-MorganI am advised that although no relationship has been demonstrated between the taking of snuff and the incidence of lung cancer, there is insufficient evidence on the effects of this practice to justify it being recommended as a safe alternative to smoking.
Mr. Gresham CookeIs my hon. Friend aware that it would give a good deal of satisfaction to a number of people—no doubt including hon. Members of this House—if the Medical Research Council could issue a statement saying that snuff taking is a safe alternative to smoking?
§ Mr. Vaughan-MorganThere has been an inquiry on a small scale, which demonstrated no connection, but if my hon. Friend is very interested in this matter, he might like to know that some work undertaken in South Africa has suggested a possible connection between snuff taking and cancer of the nose among the Bantu.