§ Mr. DafisTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what research projects have been commissioned by his Department to investigate the connection between environmental pollutants and the incidence of breast cancer. [31058]
§ Mr. AtkinsNo research projects to specifically investigate the possible connection between environmental pollutants and the incidence of breast cancer have been commissioned by the Department. However, on behalf of the Department, the Medical Research Council's institute for environment and health is carrying out a review of existing literature and scientific opinion on the evidence for changes in human reproductive health, including breast cancer, and effects on wildlife, and to examine the possible links between the production and release into the environment of manmade chemicals, and the observed effects. The institute's report will be published in due course.