§ Mr. Masonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many leukaemia patients he estimates die each year through lack of financial resources for treatment, especially where bone marrow transplants are concerned; and if he will make a statement.
350W
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeNo useful estimate of this kind is available and no reduction in financial resources has been made. The problem arises because it is increasingly becoming medically possible to offer new forms of treatment with worthwhile prospects of success to more patients. It therefore becomes necessary to provide ever more resources and facilities to try to keep up with this medical progress. The right hon. Member may find it useful to refer to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Staffordshire, Moorlands (Mr. Knox) on 3 November —[Vol. 47, c.456–457.]