§ 39. Mr. CADOGANasked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the prevalence of unqualified practice in actinotherapy and of the danger thus caused to the public, he will make Regulations whereby only qualified medical practitioners should be allowed to treat patients with the ultra-violet ray?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Sir Kingsley Wood)My right hon. Friend has no authority to make Regulations of the kind suggested. But in cases in which his approval is required to the installation of artificial-light treatment, it is made a condition of approval that the treatment will be given under the supervision of medical practitioners who have had experience of this form of treatment.
§ Mr. CADOGANCould not this be placed in the same category as dangerous drugs?
§ Sir K. WOODI am afraid that opens a very wide subject, indeed, but if the hon. Member will put down a question on the matter I will consider it.
§ Sir GEORGE BERRYIs there any reason to believe that the exposure to ultra-violet rays produces, in the case of healthy individuals, any bad effect other than irritation of the skin?
§ Sir K. WOODWhere his approval is required, a condition is made that the treatment is given under the supervision of medical practitioners.
§ Colonel DAYCan the Parliamentary Secretary say whether he has received any complaints from the London County Council or other authorities about the use of this ray?
§ Sir K. WOODThat is an entirely different question, and has nothing to do with the subject on the Paper.
§ 40. Mr. CADOGANasked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the in creasing importance of actinotherapy in the treatment of various diseases, he is prepared to make provision for a central clinic and training centre in London where doctors and nurses could be instructed in this branch of medical science?
§ Sir K. WOODMy right hon. Friend is informed that such a clinic as my hon. Friend has in mind has already been established in London, and that provision is made at this clinic for the training of doctors and nurses.
§ Mr. CADOGANAre there both laboratory and clinical workers at the institution to which the hon. Member refers?
§ Sir K. WOODI should like to have notice of that question.