OFFICIAL: Hopwood's cancer conference is illegal
EXCLUSIVE
TODAY’S
CANCER conference in Totnes has been ruled illegal by Devon Trading Standards, but organiser Dr Stephen Hopwood is still going ahead with a "private event" at a new venue.
The latest twist in the Totnes cancer controversy has also led to
Dr Hopwood’s cancer clinic being ruled an illegal operation due to its promotion of treatments and cures for cancer.
Devon Trading Standards have told Dr Hopwood the Totnes Cancer Health Care Conference and his cancer clinic are in breach of the 1939 Cancer Act, which bans the advertising, by any organisation, of treatments or cures for cancer.
Trading Standards told Dr Hopwood: “Even the title of the conference and the title of your clinic, in our view, are likely to breach the legislation because of their promotion of cancer treatment."
In an attempt to remain within the law, Dr Hopwood has now changed the event from a “conference” to a “private conversation” for invited guests. However, yesterday he was taking delegate bookings from members of the public wishing to attend..
Dr Hopwood told Totnes FM: "It is no longer an event. The event is cancelled. A few people are sitting together in a private dwelling to enter into conversation that's all."
Earlier this week, complaints about the conference were made to Trading Standards by several concerned individuals. Local MP, Dr Sarah Wollaston, who had been contacted by constituents, led the campaign against the conference.
As a result of a request from Trading Standards, Totnes Town Council withdrew permission for the Civic Hall to be used as a venue, but Dr Hopwood quickly arranged an alternative venue at Eden Rise, just outside Totnes.
Devon Trading Standards have told Dr Hopwood the Totnes Cancer Health Care Conference and his cancer clinic are in breach of the 1939 Cancer Act, which bans the advertising, by any organisation, of treatments or cures for cancer.
Trading Standards told Dr Hopwood: “Even the title of the conference and the title of your clinic, in our view, are likely to breach the legislation because of their promotion of cancer treatment."
In an attempt to remain within the law, Dr Hopwood has now changed the event from a “conference” to a “private conversation” for invited guests. However, yesterday he was taking delegate bookings from members of the public wishing to attend..
Dr Hopwood told Totnes FM: "It is no longer an event. The event is cancelled. A few people are sitting together in a private dwelling to enter into conversation that's all."
Earlier this week, complaints about the conference were made to Trading Standards by several concerned individuals. Local MP, Dr Sarah Wollaston, who had been contacted by constituents, led the campaign against the conference.
As a result of a request from Trading Standards, Totnes Town Council withdrew permission for the Civic Hall to be used as a venue, but Dr Hopwood quickly arranged an alternative venue at Eden Rise, just outside Totnes.