asked the Minister for Health if he will give details of the methods whereby his Department and local authorities propose to inform the public of the proof that cigarette smoking is a predisposing cause of cancer of the lung.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Cigarette Smoking and Cancer.
I intend soon to make a public statement on the correlation which appears to have been established between cigarette smoking and cancer. The customary channels will be availed of to bring the contents of the statement to the notice of the public.
Can the Minister give any idea when such an announcement will be made? I think the Minister received a memorandum from the Cancer Association of Ireland about two and a half months ago dealing with this subject. I suggest the time is past when such a statement should be made. This is a matter of urgent public importance and I suggest the Minister should make a statement forthwith.
Does everybody not know the position?
For myself, I am rather doubtful as to whether such a statement is absolutely essential because I think most people are now very well aware of the correlation which has been established between smoking and cancer, and there is no use banging the drum all the time. I want to find a suitable occasion upon which the statement will at least be listened to.
I agree, but I think that a statement with the support of the Minister and his Department would carry weight with the public.