§ Mr. Norman Hoggasked the Prime Minister which Government Departments have significant involvement in the primary prevention of cancer; what policy they have for the co-ordination of their activities; what policies they have published jointly or separately for the primary prevention of cancer; and what proposals Her Majesty's Government have for a national governmental body of cancer control to promote the primary prevention of cancer.
§ The Prime MinisterThe Government Departments which have a significant involvement in the primary prevention of cancer are the United Kingdom Health Departments, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, the Environment Department and the Health and Safety Commission.
The primary prevention of cancer strategy involved control of carcinogenic substances in the environment and workplace and the health education of the public. The Health and Safety Commission advises the Government on the control of hazardous substances at work including carcinogens. There are strict controls on the levels of carcinogens and radiation in the environment and on potentially hazardous substances in food and consumer products. Health education measures include advice on smoking and diet and on preventive health screening for specific cancers.
The Government believe that the present departmental arrangements to co-ordinate and promote the primary prevention of cancer are satisfactory and have no plans to introduce different administrative arrangements.