§ 46. Mr. J. Griffithsasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, as representing the Lord President of the Council, whether the Medical Research Council has made any investigations into, and reported on, the incidence of the disease known as paralysis agitans, among workers engaged in highly mechanised industries, and in particular among coal miners employed at mechanised pits; and, if not, whether he will consider instituting such an inquiry?
§ The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (Earl Winterton)No such investigation has been made, and I am advised that no evidence is available suggesting that the incidence of the disease, paralysis agitans, is associated with particular occupations.
§ Mr. GriffithsWould the Medical Research Council be willing to consider further cases if I sent them?
§ Earl WintertonYes, Sir. I should be very pleased if the hon. Gentleman would send any instances he may have, but the information at the disposal of the Department shows that as yet the condition has no association with any particular occupation.
§ Mr. GriffithsDoes that mean that the Medical Research Council have made an investigation, or that no case has been brought to their attention?
§ Earl WintertonI think that the hon. Gentleman and myself are speaking rather at cross purposes. This malady usually follows acute infection such as sleepy sickness, and in many cases occurs in elderly persons. It is usually regarded as due to changes associated with advancing years. The evidence as yet available to the Medical Research Council has nothing to do with occupations, but I shall be pleased to consider any further evidence.