§ Mr. Freudasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the total sum provided by the Government for cancer research and treatment; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MoyleThe main Government support for cancer research is through funds provided by the health departments and the Department of Education and Science to the Medical Research Council. I understand from my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Science that in 1977–78, the latest year for which firm figures are available, the council spent some £9,900,000 on research relevant to cancer. In addition, the health departments commissioned other research having a bearing on the disease amounting to almost £1,000,000. Research from Government funds is also undertaken by the universities and hospital medical schools. Money is not allocated for the treatment of specific diseases.