38. Commander Galbraithasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is the number of notifications in respect of persons suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis received in the years 1939, 1945, 1947, 1948 and 1949.
Mr. McNeilNotifications of respiratory tuberculosis in Scotland in 1939 numbered 4,657; in 1945, 7,316; in 1947, 7,984; and in 1948, 8,204. The provisional figure for 1949 is 8,427.
§ Mr. RankinCan my right hon. Friend say whether the mortality rates have increased during the years mentioned in the Question?
Mr. McNeilNo, Sir. My recollection is that the mortality rate for last year was down by about 10 per cent. compared with the previous year and it was the lowest mortality rate since 1939, although, of course, I am not attempting to suggest that the figures are at all satisfactory.