John Leech Quizzes Government over Lung Cancer Screening

12.00.00am GMT Thu 30th Nov 2006

Withington Lib Dem MP John Leech yesterday quizzed the Deputy Prime Minister in the House of Commons over new techniques in lung cancer screening that could save thousands of lives.

Speaking during Prime Minister's Questions, John Leech MP urged John Prescott, who was standing in for Tony Blair, to give assurances that urgent research into lung cancer screening is carried out so that a Lung Cancer Screening Programme can be implemented in this country as soon as possible.

The Deputy PM said that there was a great deal in what John Leech had said.

Speaking after PMQs, John Leech, who has been named "Lung Cancer Champion for the North West" by the charity UK Lung Cancer Coalition, said:

"Lung Cancer is one of the biggest killers in the UK. Earlier detection of the condition would save thousands of lives."

"Research and trials in the US and Europe into screening at risk people have shown very promising results. If screening is proved to be effective in the early detecting of lung cancer, then it is vital that the NHS is fully prepared to set up a screening programme. I have today made it clear to the Government that action is needed now so that patients in England do not miss out while those abroad receive life saving diagnostic testing."

Today, John Leech pressed the Secretary of State for Health, Patricia Hewitt MP, to increase spending on Lung Cancer. Speaking during the Britain Against Cancer Conference in London, the Withington MP pointed out that only 4% of cancer research funding went to fighting lung cancer while the disease caused 1 in 5 of all deaths in the UK from cancer.

House of Commons Hansard from 29th November 2006: Q5. [104558]

Mr. John Leech (Manchester, Withington) (LD):

The Deputy Prime Minister will be aware that lung cancer accounts for more than one in five cancer deaths. As we approach the end of lung cancer awareness month- [Interruption.]

Mr. Speaker: Order. Let the hon. Gentleman speak.

Mr. Leech: As we approach the end of lung cancer awareness month, will the Deputy Prime Minister commit the Government to support urgent research into the value of lung cancer screening which is looking very promising in major research in the USA, so that we are equipped to deliver a national lung cancer screening programme once the techniques are fully appraised?

The Deputy Prime Minister:

I know that there is a great deal in what the hon. Gentleman says. I think what the Government have done in the health service, particularly in regard to cancer treatment, is a very good process and has done very well, and we should be particularly proud of it. If he looks at his own area, he will find that the amount of nurses, doctors and hospital investment has improved considerably- [Interruption.] Well, every constituency has benefited from those resources. The difference between the Opposition and ourselves-