§ Q6. Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Prime Minister what further exchanges he has had about the French Government's proposal for the allotment to cancer research of funds equivalent to a proportion of national defence expenditure; and what other Commonwealth and foreign Governments have been consulted on this matter by Her Majesty's Government.
§ The Prime MinisterA preliminary meeting was held in Paris on 17th and 18th December. There is need for 32 further discussion before detailed proposals can be drafted for consideration by Governments. Another meeting is to take place at the end of this month. I am arranging for Commonwealth Governments to be kept in touch.
§ Mr. Biggs-DavisonWill my right hon. Friend say how much further this meeting in December took this question? Will he further say whether the Soviet Government were represented at the meeting?
The Prune MinisterAs I understand it, the medical experts reviewed and considered the various aspects of cancer research which could most likely benefit from international co-operation, and examined the channels through which reports might be given. I think that the Russian Government received an invitation but did not send a representative.
§ Mr. WoodburnIn the immediate discussions, could the Prime Minister ask the French Government to lift the ban which they have imposed upon a doctor who is at present living in Corsica from treating the leukaemia child patients who have been sent to him? Should not the French Government, without waiting for further research, allow this treatment to continue and see what help should be given, since otherwise the children's position is hopeless?
§ The Prime MinisterI do not think that that is a matter for me, but if it should be, I should like to see a Question on the Order Paper.