HC Deb 05 February 1962 vol 653 c4W
42. Mr. Awbery

asked the Minister of Health if he is aware that approximately 20 per cent. of the deaths which took place in this country last year were caused by lung cancer and that this disease is steadily increasing; if he will take steps to ascertain the reason for this increase; and if he will prepare a scheme to deal with it on similar lines to that taken some years ago to deal with tuberculosis.

Mr. Powell

Yes, assuming the hon. Member refers to deaths from cancer. The evidence points to smoking habits as the principal reason. Methods suitable for tuberculosis are not appropriate to lung cancer.