HC Deb 16 July 1931 vol 255 cc756-7
51. Mr. SMITHERS

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been directed to a treatment for tuberculosis called umckaloabo; and whether his Department has examined it, and with what results?

Mr. GREENWOOD

The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative and to the second part in the negative. I am advised that the claims made in regard to this alleged form of treatment for tuberculosis do not appear to differ in character or degree from those made for many other so-called "remedies" which have been advertised from time to time and afterwards found to be valueless. I do not consider that there is sufficient ground for instituting a clinical investigation into its value.

Mr. SMITHERS

In view of the extraordinary success that is claimed for this treatment, will not the right hon. Gentleman at least ask his medical officer to look into it and report on it?

Mr. GREENWOOD

Information in my Department goes to show that the claim made cannot be sustained.

Mr. SKELTON

In view of the extraordinary shape of the word, will the right hon. Gentleman be good enough to pronounce it?

Mr. GREENWOOD

I think that the hon. Member for Chislehurst (Mr. Smithers) had better do that; it is his question.