Day 022 - 12 Sep 94 - Page 15

     
     1        there is not a relationship.  In other words, we do not
     2        actually know, but when the question has been raised it
     3        seems only sensible to try to reduce your fat intake in
     4        those circumstances, particularly, as I have already
     5        indicated, there seems to be a closer association between
     6        fat intake and other diseases than there is with cancer.
     7
     8        Since the question has been raised, it seems perfectly
     9        reasonable to suggest to people -- remember, this is an
    10        advisory document for all and sundry, not only those who
    11        may have specialist knowledge; it is for members of the
    12        general public to try to give them guidance on the way
    13        they should lead their lives.
    14
    15   Q.   This is the British Government's Health of the Nation
    16        pamphlet, so they would not want to be alarmist, would
    17        they, by irresponsibly informing the public that they
    18        consider there is an association between diet and cancer?
    19        A.  No.  I think you have not the right idea here.
    20        I think what the government are trying to do is to provide
         sensible advice for people who have no medical knowledge
    22        whatsoever.  They are trying to give them advice about the
    23        way they should modify their diets, but they are not
    24        saying ----.
    25
    26   Q.   It is not general advice on diet; it is specifically a
    27        European code against cancer.
    28        A.  Right.
    29
    30   Q.   If we move on to the Grey Book which, I believe, is part
    31        of that file -- it has been mentioned; I forget what it is
    32        called again; Dietary Reference Values (I cannot remember
    33        the full title) for Food Energy and Nutrients for the
    34        United Kingdom.
    35
    36   MR. JUSTICE BELL:  Is it in a bundle or is it a separate ----?
    37        (Handed).
    38
    39   MR. MORRIS:  If we go to page 49.  This book, just for the
    40        record again, has been in the trial before.  It has the
         government seal of approval as a guide to the issues; is
    42        that correct?  In fact, just for the record, also
    43        McDonald's have said they support that Grey Book and also
    44        The Health of the Nation Conclusions and Recommendations.
    45
    46        If we just look at that, "Cancer", 3.5.2. "Geographical
    47        variations in cancer incidence".  If I just read the last
    48        sentence:  "Fat intake has been particularly associated
    49        with cancer of the breast, large bowel, pancreas and
    50        prostate.  Evidence linking fat with these cancers is 
    51        derived from animal studies and human epidemiological 
    52        data."  I do not think there is any conflict here.  The 
    53        associations from animal studies and epidemiological
    54        studies are not, as you say, they are not backed up by --
    55        just clarify what you say you do not feel they are backed
    56        up by?
    57        A.  Well, as I have said already, it is possible to have
    58        studies which show there is an association between fat and
    59        cancer, but there are equally studies which do not show
    60        the association with fat and cancer.  My argument is that