§ 40. Mr. J. GRIFFITHSasked the Minister of Health whether there has been any improvement in the mortality rate from tuberculosis in the industrial areas of South Wales, particularly in the age groups of 15–25 years and 25–35 years to which attention was called in the report of the chief medical officer of the Ministry of Health for the year 1933; and whether he will direct the attention of the Unemployment Assistance Board to the report of the chief medical officer and ask the board to bear it in mind when fixing scales and conditions of assistance to unemployed persons in those areas?
§ Sir K. WOODThe death rates from pulmonary tuberculosis in the years 1931 to 1935, for the area comprising the administrative counties of Brecon, Carmarthen, Glamorgan and Monmouth with the associated county boroughs of Cardiff, Merthyr Tydfil, Swansea and Newport, including the rates for the age-groups mentioned, show some improvement during that period, though emigration from this area may render interpretation of the figures, of which I will send the hon. Member a copy, somewhat difficult. As regards the second part of the question, the Unemployment Assistance Board are aware of the observations contained in the report.
§ Mr. GRIFFITHSHas the right hon. Gentleman called their attention to the fact that, in the general medical view, this increase is due to the population in South Wales having to live on a poor standard of living?
§ Sir K. WOODMy information is that there is some improvement.