HC Deb 19 April 1973 vol 855 cc179-80W
Mr. Woodhouse

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make improved provision for the dissemination of information on the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, through voluntary bodies as well as official channels.

Mr. Alison

The Health Education Council is the body to which my Department looks for disseminating information to public and other bodies on the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. The council has recently published in its quarterly journal material on this subject prepared for its use by the Standing Sub-Comittee on Cancer of the Central Health Services Council. During the financial year 1972–73 both the Health Education Council and my Department made substantial grants to voluntary bodies active in cancer education and consideration is being given to further grants this year. In addition, the sub-committee has prepared material on the subject for particular groups of workers in the health professions and this work is continuing.