§ 49. Mr. Swinglerasked the Minister of Health, as representing the Lord President of the Council, what progress has been made by the Medical Research Council with the inquiry into the incidence and causes of lung cancer amongst workers in the gas industry; in which gas board areas research is at present proceeding; and when the Council's report will be available.
§ Mr. VosperA study by the Medical Research Council of the incidence of lung cancer among workers in the gas industry has been in progress during the past three years. The results are at present being analysed, but it is not possible to forecast any date for their publication. The work has been undertaken with the co-operation of the South-Eastern, the North Thames, the West Midlands and the North-Western Gas Boards. An extension of the study for a further five years to include workers in other areas is proposed.
§ Mr. SwinglerCan the right hon. Gentleman give the assurance that all the necessary facilities were given to this committee to make a comprehensive national survey, and would he also do something to try to speed up the report in view of its importance, because it may prove that there is an occupational risk in the industry?
§ Mr. VosperI have no reason to suppose that all facilities were not made available. The speed of the survey must depend upon the evidence available, but I will do what I can in that direction.