HC Deb 30 April 1953 vol 514 cc2339-41
35. Dr. Stross

asked the Minister of Health the total number of cases which have been X-rayed by mass radiography units since the inception of the service; whether he will tabulate in the official record the categories of abnormality noted; whether a separate list is available of cases of pneumoconiosis; and if he can give an assurance that the figures are made available to the Minister of National Insurance.

Mr. Iain Macleod

Ten million six hundred and forty-four thousand six hundred and ninety-five cases have been X-rayed by mass radiography units up to 31st December, 1952. I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT the standard classification of diseases and abnormalities of the chest used in this connection. Total figures for pneumoconiosis and pneumoconiosis with tuberculosis are published in the annual reports of the Chief Medical Officer of the Ministry of Health and are already available to my right hon. Friend.

Dr. Stross

In the total figures given in the last part of the answer are there included those suffering from pneumoconiosis contracted in some occupation other than that in which the sufferer is now engaged? I should have thought that those details could only be got by mass X-ray? Is the Minister aware that the problem of finding out where these men and women exist can only be solved through mass X-ray?

Mr. Macleod

I entirely agree with the last part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question. My impression is that the answer to the first part is "Yes," but I will confirm that and, if necessary, write to the hon. Gentleman.

Miss Lee

Will the Minister take an early opportunity to give fuller information on the whole business of pneumoconiosis? I ask because there has been some criticism about the co-ordination of committees. I am not making a criticism of the Minister at the moment, but I should like more up-to-date information.

Mr. Macleod

I should be very glad to consider that.

Following is the list:

MASS RADIOGRAPHY STANDARD CLASSIFICATION OF DISEASES AND ABNORMALITIES OF THE CHEST

Description

Abnormalities of bony thorax and lungs.

Chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

Pneumonia, lobar.

Broncho-pneumonia (non-tuberculous) (including primary atypical).

Consolidation of unknown cause.

Bronchiectasis.

Pulmonary fibrosis (non-tuberculous, e.g. post-pneumonic).

Pneumoconiosis (silicosis, asbestosis, coal-miner's pneumoconiosis, etc.).

Pneumoconiosis accompanied by tuberculosis.

Basal fibrosis (e.g. obliterated costophrenic angle and diaphragmatic tenting).

Pleural thickening.

Pleural and interlobar effusion (non-tuberculous).

Spontaneous pneumothorax (non-tuberculous).

Intrathoracic tumours (mediastinal pulmonary, bronchial and pleural, primary and secondary, both benign and malignant).

Cardio vascular lesions—congenital.

Cardio vascular lesion—acquired.

Miscellaneous (including acquired conditions of ribs, abnormalities of the diaphragm, dextrocardia, dextrocardia with transposition of viscera, pulmonary mycosis, mediastinal effusions, etc.).

A. Tuberculosis—active primary lesions, includ-ing epi-tuberculosis. With symptoms.

B. Without symptoms.

Tuberculosis—inactive primary lesions (e.g., Ghon's focus and/or calcified gland).

Tuberculosis—active, post-primary unilateral.

A. With symptoms.

B. Without symptoms.

Tuberculosis—active, post-primary.

Bilateral.

A. With symptoms.

B. Without symptoms.

Tuberculosis—inactive, post-primary.

Tuberculosis, pleural effusion.

Tuberculosis—spontaneous pneumothorax and hydropneumothorax.

Abscess of lung.