HC Deb 12 April 1960 vol 621 cc1060-1
14. Mr. Dempsey

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress is being made in the field of cancer research; and to what extent his Department is assisting this work.

The Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. John Maclay)

Research is, of course, proceeding in many parts of the world, and findings are published in the professional journals. Primary concern in Scotland, as elsewhere in Great Britain, rests with the Medical Research Council under the auspices of my noble Friend the Minister for Science. Much useful research work is, however, also done in the ordinary course of hospital services financed by my Department, or with support from the Scottish Hospital Endowments Research Trust.

Mr. Dempsey

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell the House if the results of cancer research in America are made known to his Department? Is he aware that there is very considerable disquiet in Scotland about the degree of charity upon which cancer research depends? Does he not think that it is time he took personal responsibility for helping to find a cure for this dreadful malignancy?

Mr. Maclay

The findings of all research work published in professional journals are carefully studied by the responsible officers of my Department. I can assure the hon. Member that no worth-while research project in Scotland need be frustrated by lack of funds, which can be made available from a number of sources.

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