HC Deb 03 February 1958 vol 581 c788
2. Mr. Lipton

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement on the steps which he has taken to co-ordinate official information on the prevention of disease.

Dr. Hill

A number of Government Departments and other agencies are responsible for issuing official information on this subject. I keep in close touch with them, as they do with each other.

Mr. Lipton

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that much official information is now available on the connection between cigarette smoking and lung cancer? In view of the complete failure on the part of the Government in letting the public know the real facts by passing the whole subject to local authorities, will the right hon. Gentleman reconsider the matter especially in the light of the further evidence now provided by the British Medical Association?

Dr. Hill

By statement in the House and by the activities of local authorities, directly and through the Central Council for Health Education, the facts on this subject are clearly and widely known. It remains for individuals to reach their own decision.

Mr. Leather

With great respect, is it not a fact that the facts are still very much in dispute and that there are very strong grounds for thinking that the Medical Research Council has stuck out its neck much too far?

Dr. Hill

Although it is not a matter for me in my capacity as Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, may I say plainly that the facts are clearly known? The case has been fully established.