§ 17. Mr. Hannanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress has been made in giving effect to Circular D.E. 13968/1 setting up the organisation of Scottish cancer services; and, in particular, what means have been adopted for the earlier diagnosis of malignant disease.
§ The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. J. Nixon Browne)A registration and follow-up system for all cases of malignant disease has now been instituted in each of the five hospital regions in Scotland, and regional cancer committees have been established to keep facilities for diagnosis and treatment under review.
992 Early diagnosis is possible only if medical advice is sought at the earliest possible stage, and my right hon. Friend has no doubt that the regional committees will consider the best means of securing this.