§ 57. Mrs. Hardieasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he is aware that the report of the medical officer of health for Glasgow contains the statement that the death rate from tuberculosis amongst girls from 15 to 25 years of age has increased, and that notifications of this disease amongst this age group has risen during the last five years; and will he inquire into the causes of this increase?
§ Mr. ColvilleThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. While the general death rate from pulmonary tuberculosis has continued to decline, the relatively high mortality among young adults has been a matter of serious concern for many years. I understand that the rate among girls in Glasgow is receiving special consideration from the medical officer of health and his staff.
§ Mrs. HardieIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the medical officer gives, as the reason for the high death rate among this particular age group, fruity nutrition and fatigue, and does not that show that the wages and conditions of labour are not sufficiently good?
§ Mr. ColvilleI know that the medical officer of health has this particular age group under his special examination now, and that he is concerned to get at the exact reasons. There are causes other than those which the hon. Lady has mentioned.