§ Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if, in addition to replacing the low energy cyclotron machine for treatment of tumours at Hammersmith hospital, he will now authorise the installation of high energy cyclotron either at Hammersmith or within one of the regions in the south of England;
(2) how many hospitals will be equipped with high energy cyclotrons capable of dealing with deep-seated tumours.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeIt is important that such a potentially significant development should receive proper evaluation before health service funds are committed to it. The Medical Research Council is funding a progamme of clinical studies on the new cyclotron unit at Clatterbridge hospital in the Wirral. Research is also continuing internationally. Further consideration of the siting of a high energy cyclotron elsewhere must await the outcome of this research.