HC Deb 03 February 1953 vol 510 cc1646-7
31. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that in Scotland the death rate for young women is higher than the death rate for young men; that Scotland is the only country in Europe where this is so; if he will state the reason for this disparity; and what steps he will take to reduce the high mortality among the young women of Scotland.

Commander Galbraith

Yes, Sir. I am aware that for the 15 to 35 age group in Scotland, contrary to the usual experience elsewhere in Europe, the female death rate was higher than the male death rate in the years 1948–50. This was due to an excess of female deaths from respiratory tuberculosis, and the steps taken to combat that disease have frequently been described. With the greatly reduced tuberculosis mortality in 1951, the latest year for which detailed figures are available, the female death rate fell below the male rate.

Mr. Hughes

Does the Minister realise that this problem has now reached dimensions which make it both urgent and grave? What is he doing to diminish it?

Commander Galbraith

All possible steps are being taken, as the hon. and learned Member knows.

Mr. Woodburn

Can the right hon. and gallant Gentleman say whether he has had any report from the committee which I set up during my tenure of office to investigate scientifically whether the causes of this situation could be found? Has there been any further report since the right hon. and gallant Gentleman last mentioned this matter to the House? I should like to say how glad we are that the rate came down last year so satisfactorily.

Commander Galbraith

I should like notice of that question.

32. Mr. Hector Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that the death rate from tuberculosis for women between 15 and 35 years of age in Scotland is much higher than that for women of comparable ages in England; what is the cause of this disparity; and what steps he is taking to remove the causes of this high mortality among young Scotswomen.

49. Major Anstruther-Gray

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he will give up-to-date figures to show how the death rate from tuberculosis among women in Scotland from 15 to 35 years of age compares with that in England.

Commander Galbraith

The death rate from respiratory tuberculosis among women between 15 and 35 years of age in Scotland has fallen from 149 per 100,000 in 1948 to 56 in 1951. The corresponding rates for England and Wales were 68 and 28. The precise reasons for the continuing disparity between the two countries are not known, but I see no reason why the measures taken in recent years to combat the disease should not result in this disparity being further reduced in the near future.

Mr. Hughes

Will the right hon. and gallant Gentleman answer the last sentence of my Question and say what specific steps he is taking to deal with the problem?

Commander Galbraith

I have already answered the hon. and learned Gentleman. I have told him that every possible step is being taken.

Lieut.-Colonel Elliot

Is it not rather belated of the hon. and learned Gentleman to be taking this interest in a problem which his own Government during their term of office did nothing whatever to cure—[Interruption.]

Mr. Speaker

I did not hear a word of that.