§ Mr. FearnTo ask the Secretary of State for Health on what grounds his Department decided to consult interested parties before making his decision to provide funds for the purchase of a cyclotron machine for St. Thomas's hospital; and if he will list the groups he consulted.
§ Mr. FreemanNo external advice was received before the decision was taken to contribute to the charitable funds being raised by the Cyclotron Trust.
§ Mr. FearnTo ask the Secretary of State for Health whether he intends to continue to provide 60 per cent of the funds for the running costs of the cyclotron machine at St. Thomas's hospital in the light of concern over the safety of the machine; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FreemanWe have undertaken to meet up to 60 per cent. of the direct running costs of the cyclotron once it begins to operate, in so far as these are not met from other sources. We have given careful consideration to the views that have so far been expressed by the medical profession, but they have not produced any evidence which would cause us to change our views of the proposed project.