§ 1. Mr. Skeffingtonasked the Minister of Health to what extent medical X-ray apparatus built in this country is dependent on the U.S. for deep therapy tubes and valves; and whether steps are being taken to increase capacity for their manufacture in the United Kingdom.
§ The Minister of Health (Mr. Aneurin Bevan)Production of deep therapy tubes and valves is being developed by manufacturers but for the present we are almost entirely dependent upon imports.
§ Mr. SkeffingtonIs the Minister aware that this dependence upon foreign countries for deep therapy tubes is a serious matter and a weakness for our own industry; and is he prepared to consider whether some form of loan might be given to enable more intensive research work to be carried out?
§ Mr. BevanI do not know that loans will help the position at all. This is highly technical and skilled work and is being developed. I have met some of the manufacturers.