Cancer

Oral Answers to Questions — Education and Science – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 3 March 1966.

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Photo of Mr Edward Leadbitter Mr Edward Leadbitter , Hartlepools, The 12:00, 3 March 1966

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many deaths in Great Britain from various forms of cancer there were in the years 1960 to 1965; what was the expenditure on cancer research for the years 1960 and 1965, respectively; and what steps he will take to increase Government support in relation to voluntary contributions.

Photo of Mr Reginald Prentice Mr Reginald Prentice , East Ham North

Deaths from cancer in Great Britain from January, 1960, to September, 1965, totalled 652,234. In 1960–61 the Medical Research Council, the main Government agency for the promotion of medical research, devoted approximately £687,000 specifically to cancer research; in 1965–66 the amount is expected to be approximately £1,178,000. Further research supported by Government funds is conducted in the universities and at hospitals under the National Health Service, but it is not possible to give an estimate of this expenditure. The Answer to the last part of my hon. Friend's Question is: none. I am assured that the Medical Research Council has not been hampered by lack of funds in its support of proposals for research on cancer which have commended themselves on scientific grounds.

Photo of Mr Edward Leadbitter Mr Edward Leadbitter , Hartlepools, The

Is my hon. Friend aware, that although there is some indication of progress, the number of reported deaths arising from this serious disease is such that the concern and anxiety expressed throughout the country are understandable and point to the need for further Government support? Will he therefore keep this matter under strict observation?

Photo of Mr Reginald Prentice Mr Reginald Prentice , East Ham North

Yes. Government support for the Medical Research Council as a whole has been rising and will rise again next year. The actual allocation of the money between different branches of research is a matter for the Council itself. The Council's spending on this avenue of research has also been rising.

Photo of Sir David Price Sir David Price , Eastleigh

Would not the Minister agree that to state the figures of direct Government support gives a very inadequate picture of the total national effort, both voluntarily and at universities, to deal with the hideous scourge of cancer?

Photo of Mr Reginald Prentice Mr Reginald Prentice , East Ham North

Yes. I mentioned work at universities and hospitals. Work in other fields, such as in genetics and virology, may also have a bearing on these particular problems as well as on others.