HC Deb 20 April 1964 vol 693 cc875-6
52. Mr. Brockway

asked the Minister of Health what monetary contribution the United Kingdom will make to the establishment of the World Research Agency for Cancer.

Mr. Barber

Discussions with the other countries concerned have not yet made sufficient progress to make it possible to say what monetary contribution the United Kingdom will make.

Mr. Brockway

Can the Minister assure the House that there will be an adequate contribution from our Government to this very commendable purpose, which would relieve very great suffering? Secondly, can the right hon. Gentleman say whether there is any discussion of incorporating a research centre on cancer with the proposed world research centre? Is it not very desirable that the two should be associated so that the most effective contribution can be made?

Mr. Barber

On the latter point, I will bear in mind what the hon. Member says. We are still considering the technical and constitutional aspects of the proposal. The financial implications are also under consideration, but agreement has not yet been reached. The House may be interested to know that the kind of arrangement which is being considered would involve the basic contribution by each country which decides to take part supplemented by voluntary contributions in cash or kind for special projects.

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