§ 7. Sir B. Jannerasked the Minister of Health what criteria he adopts when deciding whether experimental work on new methods of treatment of cancer and other dangerous diseases has proved successful, and when authorising expenditure for the exploitation of such research over a wider field.
§ Mr. PowellIt is for the medical staff at each hospital to decide what methods of treatment to use.
§ Sir B. JannerIs not the Minister aware—I have referred him to this before —that the Royal Northern Hospital has found some method which it is expected may result in the removal of cancer in a more effective way than has been the case up to now? Is he aware that there is considerable medical support for this and that influential journals have supported the claim and approved it? Is he prepared to do something to prevent cancer from extending, even though it may result in additional heavy cost?
§ Mr. PowellIf it is as the hon. Member says, the hospital authorities, on the advice of their consultant staffs, will make arrangements for the necessary treatment; but this is essentially a clinical matter and a matter of individual clinical responsibility for the consultant.
§ Sir B. JannerBut will the Minister promise to go into the matter again to make sure that he is not making a mistake in not helping?
§ Mr. PowellAll proposals put forward by hospital authorities to hospital board and by boards to me, for the 562 extension of treatment and new methods of treatment are considered most carefully on their merits.