§ 8. Mrs. Hartasked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science if he is aware that an intensive survey is needed to prove or disprove the hypothesis that the incidence of cancer is associated with geological formation; and if Her Majesty's Government will increase the scale of their grants for cancer research to provide, inter alia, for such a survey.
§ Mr. Denzil FreethWork on geographical variation in cancer incidence is already being supported by the Medical Research Council and will be extended if any promising new lead is found.
§ Mrs. HartIs the Parliamentary Secretary aware that the scale of grants is not enough for this purpose? Is he aware, for example, of the statement made at the annual meeting of the British Empire Cancer Campaign and does he appreciate that the remarks in the Press from Professor Alexander Haddow indicate that the hon. Gentleman was talking complete nonsense when he said a few weeks ago in the House that it was ideas and not money that were needed for research? Will the hon. Gentleman change his mind?
§ Mr. FreethNo, Sir. I said in answer to a Question in the House and in the debate on 10th July that I am informed by the Medical Research Council that when any promising lead on cancer and similar diseases arises this will not be held up through lack of Government funds. My noble Friend has not at any time refused the Medical Research Council money for which it has asked to promote promising leads of this nature.
§ 34. Mr. Pavittasked the Parliamentary Secretary for Science if he will state the amount of money spent by the Government on cancer research during the years 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, and 1960; and what is the estimated expenditure for the next five-year period.
§ Mr. Denzil FreethThe Medical Research Council's expenditure from public funds on cancer research was approximately £327,000 in 1955–56; £400.000 in 1956–57; £486,000 in 1957–58; £499,000 in 1958–59; £583,000 in 1959–60; £650,000 in 1960–61, and it will amount to about £783,000 in 1961–62. No estimates can be made for periods beyond the current financial year.
Research relevant to cancer is carried out in the universities and medical schools with funds provided by the University Grants Committee, as well as in the National Health Service during the normal course of the treatment of patients, but it is not possible to make a reliable estimate of the sums involved.
§ Mr. PavittWhile welcoming the increase over the years, may I ask whether the Parliamentary Secretary will assure the House that he will resist any possible inroads which might be attempted into this amount of money because of the economic stringency in the country?
§ Mr. FreethI am certain that the Medical Research Council would never submit to any reductions in work on a vital subject such as this which was leading to exploration of lines which were definitely promising of a final result.
§ Sir G. NicholsonCan the Minister assure the House that in his opinion the discovery of a cure for cancer is not being held up by lack of funds?
§ Mr. FreethThat is the information which I have been given by the Medical Research Council, which is responsible 1041 over the whole field. The Council's grants are used to ensure that the total effort from all sources is adequate and balanced, not the other way round.