§ 21. Sir B. Jannerasked the Minister of Health what steps have now been taken by Her Majesty's Government to co-operate with other national research endeavours in respect of cancer; and if he will make a statement of the present position with regard to the proposals of President de Gaulle for an international cancer research programme.
§ Mr. BarberI would refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 23rd April by my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Science to the hon. Member for Hemsworth (Mr. Beaney).
§ Sir B. JannerHas there been any advance at all between then and now in the amounts which are expended for the purpose of research? What does the Minister propose to do concerning research? As this scourge is likely at some time or other—and everybody hopes that it will be sooner than later—to be dealt with effectively, does not the Minister think that every effort should be made and no expenditure saved or spared in an attempt to find a remedy for it?
§ Mr. BarberI quite agree with what the hon. Member has said about the importance of this matter. I am sure that he will acquit this country of any delay when it is borne in mind that it was the United Kingdom which recently circulated the draft convention. The finances of the Agency have still to be determined, but the proposal is that an equal annual subscription by all member States to cover continuing expenditure on the permanent functions should be supplemented by special contributions from any source for projects approved by the Agency. I recognise that this matter is important. A number of countries are involved, but as my right hon. and learned Friend recently pointed out, we have circulated the draft convention and I hope that we shall make progress.