HC Deb 22 January 1953 vol 510 cc378-80
1. Dr. Stross

asked the Minister of Health how many cases of pulmonary tuberculosis were notified in Stoke-on-Trent in the years 1930 and 1950; and what was the measure of atmospheric pollution in those years.

The Minister of Health (Mr. lain Macleod)

The answer to the first part of the Question is 554 and 258, respectively:

I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT such information as is available in reply to the second part.

Dr. Stross

I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his answer, but does not he agree that atmospheric pollution may be one of the aggravating factors, and, if he is so advised, will he ask his colleagues at the Ministry of Fuel and Power and the Ministry of Supply to take more energetic action, so far as lies within their power, to remedy that?

Mr. Macleod

Yes, Sir.

Following is the information:

I am informed that, on the one site in Stoke-on-Trent at which measurements were taken in 1930 and 1950, atmospheric pollution was as follows:

— Deposit in Tons per square mile per month
1st April, 1930 to 31st, March 1931 1st April, 1950 to 31st March, 1951
Total water—
soluble solids 7.01 6.55
insoluble solids 12.40 10.15
Comprising—
ash 8.19 6.49
carbonaceous matter 3.95 3.37
tar 0.26 0.29
Total solids 19.41 16.70

Figures arc not available for both years for other pollutants, e.g., smoke and sulphur dioxides.

3. Dr. Stross

asked the Minister of Health if he will give the percentage of cases of non-pulmonary tuberculosis which are due to bovine infection; and what reason his medical advisers assign for the fact that the highest incidence is now noted in the age-group, five to nine years.

Mr. Iain Macleod

The figure is estimated at 30 per cent. I am advised that the reason why there are more notifications of non-pulmonary tuberculosis among children from five to nine years of age than among other age groups is probably that children of these ages drink most milk.

Dr. Stross

Is it not a fact, however, that the younger age group from nil to five almost wholly have milk made from powder and which is therefore sterile and free from infection, and that from the age of five to nine some of their milk may be infected, not treated by pasteurisation and other forms of heat treatment? If the Minister agrees, will he see that everything is done as soon as possible to ensure that all liquid milk is heat-treated?

Mr. Macleod

That may well be a contributory factor, but I am sure the hon. Gentleman knows that the question of pasteurisation is one for my right hon. and gallant Friend the Minister of Food.

12. Mr. Remnant

asked the Minister of Health how many beds in sanatoria and in wards set aside for tuberculosis patients are now not available owing to shortage of staff.

Mr. lain Macleod

Two thousand five hundred and ninety-seven at the end of 1951. Figures for 1952 will be available in a few weeks.

Mr. Remnant

Does my right hon. Friend hope that the figures by the end of 1952 will be an improvement? In any case, will he not agree that this position stresses the urgency of pressing on with preventive vaccines such as Bacillus Calmette-Guérin and other preventatives as well as a cure?

Mr. Macleod

There was a substantial drop in 1951, and I believe that the trend for 1952 is, happily, also downwards. I fully agree about the necessity for preventive medicines. but there are certain reservations about B.C.G. which I made earlier.

Mr. Anthony Greenwood

How many of these beds are children's beds? Will the Minister consider the possibility of extending the scheme by whicn tuberculosis patients are sent for treatment overseas so as to include children?

Mr. Macleod

As I said a few weeks ago in the House, there is virtually no waiting list for children in the case of this disease.

Mr. G. Williams

Could not my right hon. Friend send more patients to Switzerland, where there is no shortage of staff?

Mr. Macleod

The Switzerland scheme runs—I speak from memory—until October this year, but I cannot give a guarantee beyond that.

Mr. Shurmer

Is the Minister aware that there are several sanatoria in Switzerland that are only half full and which are willing to accept patients for a nominal sum, which will be quite as cheap as keeping them in this country?

Mr. Macleod

I know that there is accommodation in Switzerland, but the hon. Member knows that there are also other considerations.

Mr. Hastings

Has the Minister given consideration to the possibility of diluting still further the trained nursing staff by untrained staff so that beds which are so much needed may be opened to the public?

Mr. Macleod

I shall be glad to consider that.