§ 47. Mr. Pavittasked the Minister of Health what were the number of men and the number of women who died from lung cancer in 1965; what is his estimate of the total number of deaths from lung cancer in 1970 assuming the rate of increase shown in the last five years to be maintained; and if he will express these figures as the number of deaths per day.
§ Mr. K. RobinsonIn 1965 the deaths of 22,231 males and 4,167 females in England and Wales were certified as being the result of cancer of the lung and bronchus, averaging 60.9 and 11.4 deaths per day. If the average rates of increase experienced in the years 1962 to 1966 were maintained until 1970, it is estimated that deaths from this cause would number 25,000–69 per day—for males and 5,500–15 per day—for females in that year.
§ Mr. PavittIn view of these tragic figures, will my right hon. Friend now support, and find time for, my Cigarettes (Health Hazards) Bill if I seek to reintroduce it?
§ Mr. RobinsonI should first like to see the Bill.
§ Mr. Frank AllaunHas my right hon. Friend seen yet another report, this time by the tobacco industry's own committee, which shows a connection between cigarette smoking and lung cancer? If so, will he stop, virtually before it starts, the additional promotion by coupons with cash gifts that has been announced?
§ Mr. RobinsonThat is another matter. As for the first part of my hon. Friend's supplementary question, I imagine that he is referring to the experiments on the skin of mice. These are interesting, but I do not think that they carry our knowledge very much further.