HC Deb 12 March 1962 vol 655 cc896-7
35. Mr. Edelman

asked the Minister of Health whether he will give the figures for the incidence of leukaemia in Britain for the past five years to the latest available date.

Miss Pitt

I would refer the hon. Member to Chapter VI of the Chief Medical Officer's last Annual Report.

Mr. Edelman

Does not the Report, which I have read carefully, show that the incidence of leukaemia has increased by three times during recent years? In view of this sinister increase, which shows a connection between man-made radiation and the incidence of the disease, in view of the fact that the effect of radiation in causing this disease takes something like eight years to build up and in view, further, of the fact that the soothing reports about the effects of the Russian tests can only be considered soothing because the full noxious effect cannot yet be assessed, will not the hon. Lady urge the Government not to add to the total of the world's harm which is caused by man-made radiation by asking the Government to discourage the United States from proceeding with its nuclear tests?

Miss Pitt

That does not arise on this Question. The figures are available and, as the hon. Member has said, he has studied them.