Oral Answers to Questions

Alistair Carmichael Excerpts

Tuesday 10th March 2020 Commons Chamber

[Mr Alistair Carmichael (Orkney and Shetland) (LD)]

14. What steps his Department is taking to support research into brain tumours.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Jo Churchill)]

As I say, cancer survival is our priority and that was made clear in the long-term plan. Unlike many cancers, we have not moved the dial really far enough for patients with brain cancer. To ensure better outcomes for those affected by brain tumour, we need to focus and redouble our efforts on innovative research and new methods of diagnosis and treatment. That is why we have pledged £40 million over five years to stimulate brain tumour research, working alongside the Tessa Jowell brain cancer charity.

[Mr Alistair Carmichael (Orkney and Shetland) (LD)]

That is welcome news. Ten per cent. of all cancer deaths of people under 50 are from brain tumours, but the cancer receives only 2% of the money spent on cancer research funding. The previous Government established an inquiry into this to see what more could be done. Does the Minister agree that this month, which is Brain Tumour Awareness Month, would be a good time to re-establish that inquiry?

[Jo Churchill]

I would be more than happy to meet the right hon. Gentleman to talk about his ambitions. The funding is going up and, as I have said before, it is always welcome to me when cancer charities drive awareness, so that people are more aware of the symptoms, particularly of cancers where we are not moving forward fast enough.