§ 66. Mr. T. Johnstonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland to what extent the circular letter of 16th February, 1938, from the Department of Health for Scotland has stimulated a more extended use of sulphanilamide preparations for streptococcal and urinary infections; and whether he has any information as to the hospital-bed accommodation which may thereby be made available for war emergency purposes?
§ Mr. ColvilleThe use of these preparations by the medical profession in Scotland is, I am informed, increasing, but some of the newer derivatives particularly are still in the experimental stage. The answer to the last part of the question is in the negative.
§ Mr. JohnstonIs it not possible for the right hon. Gentleman to make some estimate as to the hospital-bed accommodation that would be available in Scotland for a war emergency if there were more extended use of sulphanilamide preparations?
§ Mr. ColvilleI do not think it would be possible to make an estimate such as 1254 the right hon. Gentleman asks for. I am anxious that as many hospital beds as possible should be made available in the event of an emergency by the use of alternative methods of treatment.