§ 40. Mr. Messerasked the Minister of Health what has been the percentage increase in pulmonary tuberculosis during 1490 the war; in what age-groups the increase is most marked; and whether it is proposed to take any special steps to deal with this problem?
§ Mr. E. BrownOn the basis of provisional mortality figures for the years 1939 and 1940, the rate in England and Wales for the population as a whole was 9.7 per cent. higher than in 3939, the highest rate being 15 per cent. among women between the ages of 15 and 25. In the first quarter of 1941 there was, however, a reduction of 7 per cent. for the population as a whole, and of 4 per cent. for women between the ages of 15 and 25. With the co-operation of the Medical Research Council, I have arranged for an expert investigation into the possible causes of increase. Everything possible is being done to maintain the tuberculosis service.