HC Deb 16 May 1938 vol 336 c16
27. Sir Henry Morris-Jones

asked the Minister of Pensions whether he can give any information in regard to recent research work on sequelae to war-gas poisoning, more especially in regard to deaths from respiratory diseases?

The Minister of Pensions (Mr. Ramsbotham)

It would be, I am afraid, impracticable to give, within the limits of an oral answer, anything like complete information in regard to the results of research into the effects of the various kinds of gases used in the Great War. My Department is fully alive to these results, and I will gladly arrange for my Chief Medical Officer to see my hon. Friend and explain orally the conclusions of the research that has been done, so far as they affect my Department.

Sir H. Morris-Jones

Is my hon. Friend aware that recent evidence shows that the mortality rates in certain age groups of cases of war-gas poisoning ranges from 4o per cent. to 70 per cent. over the normal rate; and, in view of this, will he consider a revision of the War Pensions Acts?

Mr. Ramsbotham

The question on the Paper relates to research; and, as I have said, I cannot describe what has been done within the limits of question and answer.