§ 15. Mr. Leachasked the Minister of Health whether he has any evidence to prove that cases of tuberculosis notified in recent years were exclusively persons reared on unpasteurised milk; and whether any inquiry on this point is made when tuberculosis is notified?
§ Mr. E. BrownIn reply to the first part of the Question, no evidence is available. In regard to the second part, I am advised that it would be unusual in medical practice not to make such inquiries in cases of tuberculosis among young children, but that the point becomes less relevant after childhood.
§ Mr. LeachHow does the right hon. Gentleman know there is so much tuberculosis as that if he has no evidence?
§ 17. Mr. Leachasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the infant mortality from certain forms of tuberculosis is higher in Greater London and the county boroughs, where a great part of the milk consumed is pasteurised, than in rural districts where most of the milk consumed is unpasteurised; and is he satisfied that pasteurisation is doing the work claimed for it in the circulars issued by his Department?
§ Mr. BrownIf as I assume from my hon. Friend's reference to pasteurisation the first part of the Question relates to non-pulmonary tuberculosis, the answer is, "No, Sir"; the increase in child mortality from non-pulmonary tuberculosis appears to be greater in country than in town. The information available therefore casts no doubt on the efficacy of pasteurisation.