§ 3. Dr. Strossasked the Minister of Health how many clinics are now available for the treatment of pneumoconiosis cases; how far cases so treated have shown signs of improvement; and for how long he proposes to continue the service given.
§ The Minister of Health (Mr. Iain Macleod)On 31st December, 1952, there were 590 chest clinics in the National Health Service, in addition to the ordinary hospital out-patient clinics, at any of which patients could obtain the recognised palliative and symptomatic treatment for pneumoconiosis. I understand that one particular form of therapy is being investigated by the Medical Research Council but that the results are not yet available. I have no intention of discontinuing or reducing the clinic service.
§ Dr. StrossWill the Minister bear in mind that those of us who have watched the effect of this treatment on people suffering from pneumoconiosis are satisfied that at least the exercises and care offered to them do them a great deal of good even if the aluminium inhalation therapy is useless? When he ultimately has to make up his mind, will he take this into consideration?
§ Mr. MacleodYes, certainly. As the hon. Member knows, the form of treatment to which I have referred is the inhalation of aluminium powder, and the results are being investigated.