Cancer Research UK Report

Debate between Lord Harries of Pentregarth and Lord Markham

Tuesday 5th December 2023 Lords Chamber

[Lord Markham (Con)]

No, I do not believe that is why people are being referred; it is to give them peace of mind. People know their own bodies and, if they are concerned about having cancer, they know that we want to put their minds at risk. I am familiar with that statistic. I had heard that 95% of people who go to these referrals, thankfully, do not end up with cancer but, boy, do they have peace of mind since we are able to give them that assurance.

[Lord Harries of Pentregarth (CB)]

I declare an interest, as I have a son who is an oncologist. As the Minister knows, one of the most serious forms of cancer—and growing at this time—is melanoma. The melanoma charities are campaigning to reduce the VAT on sun cream in order to reduce the incidence of this terrible cancer. Have the Government come to a view on this reduction of VAT?

[Lord Markham (Con)]

I do not think that the Government have come to a view but I understand the point. I will take that back to the department and the Treasury.