§ 46. Dr. Summerskillasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the concern in the medical profession, an instance of which has been sent to him, about the medical dangers of boxing; and whether he will move to set up a Select Committee to inquire into the conduct of boxing contests with special reference to the physical damage sustained by the boxers and the adverse psychological effect on the audience.
§ 47. Mr. Knox Cunninghamasked the Prime Minister whether he is aware of the physical and mental value to youth of amateur boxing; and whether he will move to set up a Select Committee to inquire into the best methods of maintaining the highest standards in the refereeing and judging of contests, and in instructing would-be competitors.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Harold Macmillan)I am not persuaded that the appointment of a Select Committee would be appropriate for either of these purposes. I think we should look to the bodies responsible for controlling the sport, both amateur and professional, to pay due regard to all these matters.
§ Dr. SummerskillWhilst the Prime Minister may not think that the time has come for a Select Committee, would he consider the legal aspect of the position? The young boxer with a permanently damaged brain has no redress. He is not entitled to compensation or to any protection from the men who exploit him in this unsavoury business.
§ The Prime MinisterIf the hon. Lady puts down a Question on the legal points, I or one of my colleagues will do my best to answer it.
§ Mrs. BraddockIs the Prime Minister aware that the boxing profession very much resent the comments that are continually made by the right hon. Lady? No boxer is compelled to box. It is a completely voluntary matter. If it is a question of looking at the things that 648 hurt people, there are very many other things that could be looked at to more advantage that kill people off very much more quickly.
§ The Prime MinisterI must be careful not to be drawn into any controversy which might develop into something more than shadow boxing.
§ Mr. Knox CunninghamMay I thank my right hon. Friend—[HON. MEMBERS: "What for."]—for entering the ring as a referee in this contest? Will he use his powers to persuade certain people, well meaning but ill informed, to keep under their bonnets the bee that seeks to ban boxing?
§ Lieut.-Colonel Bromley-DavenportIs it not a fact that boxing is no more dangerous than certain other sports, particularly when it is properly supervised, as it is in this country, by a very efficient Boxing Board of Control?
§ The Prime MinisterAll these are very relevant points, which I am sure the House will take notice of, but I think I prefer to stand by my original answer and not be drawn any further into the matter.