§ 15. Mr. Pavittasked the Minister of Health if he will introduce legislation to make action for the prevention of bronchitis and lung cancer mandatory upon local authorities.
§ Mr. PowellNo, Sir.
§ Mr. PavittDoes the Minister recollect that forty years ago similar legislation was introduced regarding tuberculosis and that there was a regular drop of 3 per cent. in the incidence of this disease over the following period? In view of the fact that bronchitis is now the No. 1 killer and that we are losing 30 million days of production each year owing to bronchitis, would he not give us something more satisfactory than "No, Sir"?
§ Mr. PowellIf I could legislate bronchitis and lung cancer away, of course I would. The question is whether it is right to take this aspect out of the whole range of the preventive health functions of the local health authorities and make this one mandatory. I do not 874 think that there would be any gain from this.
§ Dr. StrossWill the right hon. Gentleman tell the House, if he feels he cannot do this, what he has in mind to do, particularly concerning lung cancer, and whether, as stated later on the Order Paper, we expect an additional 1 million deaths in the next 30 years?
§ Mr. PowellAs the hon. Member says, there is a Question on that later.
§ Mr. S. SilvermanHow does the right hon. Gentleman reconcile the sympathetic answer that he gave just now to his hon. Friend who wanted to deprive children of sweets in order to preserve their teeth with his reluctance to do anything to deprive people of cigarettes to preserve their lives?
§ Mr. PowellI am not reluctant to bring to the notice of people by every means that I can the fact that there is a close causal connection between the smoking of cigarettes and the incidence of lung cancer.
§ Mr. PavittIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.
§ 23. Sir B. Jannerasked the Minister of Health what steps he proposes to take to combat the increasing number of deaths from bronchitis.
§ Mr. PowellI understand the Medical Research Council is promoting study of causes and treatment. My Standing Medical Advisory Committee is considering further measures of prevention and care.
§ Sir B. JannerIs the Minister satisfied —as many medical people are not—that sufficient attention is being given to the question of atmospheric pollution? Is he aware that in Leicester great difficulty is caused owing to the fact that the power stations are emitting a considerable amount of smoke and sulphates? Why does not the right hon. Gentleman hurry the matter up and see what can be done to prevent the kind of thing that happened recently, and thereby avoid the considerable increase in the number of deaths from bronchial trouble?
§ Mr. PowellIf the hon. Gentleman has a question on air pollution, perhaps he would be good enough to address it to my right hon. Friend the Minister of Housing and Local Government.
§ Mr. PavittHas the Minister examined the figures, showing that 378 deaths per 100,000 occur in this country at the age of 50, as compared with two per 100,000 in Norway, where they do not have the same air pollution problems that we have? Will not he take this matter seriously?
§ Mr. PowellI do take it seriously. It is one of the scourges of this country. That is why the research that I mentioned is in hand, and also why I am seeking further advice from my medical advisers.
§ Sir B. JannerWhat did the right hon. Gentleman mean when he said that this was a matter for the Minister of Housing and Local Government? Has he fallen out with that Minister? Why has he not had a word or two with him about the matter? He understands what the problem is. When will the right hon. Gentleman consult the Minister of Housing and Local Government?
§ Mr. PowellIt is merely that it is the custom for a Minister to answer Questions falling within his Departmental responsibility.
§ 43. Dr. Strossasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that within 30 years a million deaths will occur in Britain from cancer of the lung; and what further action he will take to prevent this.
§ Mr. PowellNo reliable estimate can be made; better facilities for treatment and persistent discouragement of smoking, especially of cigarettes.
§ Dr. StrossWith reference to the persistent discouragement of smoking, especially of cigarettes, is the Minister aware that this is seriously handicapped by the fact that enormous sums of money are still being spent urging young people, in particular, to smoke cigarettes? Is there nothing further which he can do which will help to prevent smoking, rather than relying on the cure of a horrible disease such as this? Will he 876 do this instead of waiting until it manifests itself among the public?
§ Mr. PowellI am sure that the effectiveness of continuous health education of all kinds cannot be measured in terms of money against the outlay upon advertisements. I believe that it is a long job, but it is a job which in the long run is bound to produce a big effect. Meanwhile, the hon. Member may have noticed that the advertisers have agreed to eliminate certain slants, particularly directed at young people, from their advertising matter.
§ Mr. ManuelCan the Minister give the House any information about whether there is any chance of an early break-through in the earlier diagnosis of lung cancer or any other types of cancer? This is being very anxiously considered in the country, and if he has any information which he can give to show that during the next few years there are likely to be any advances it will be very welcome indeed.
§ Mr. PowellCertainly not without notice. I doubt whether it would be a proper subject on which I should give an answer at all.
§ Mr. LiptonIn connection with the advertising campaign to which the Minister referred, what action is he taking with the Poster Manufacturers' Association, who have taken it upon themselves to ban some of the posters which have been approved for display by the Minister of Health?
§ Mr. PowellI am in communication with them about this.