§ 2. Mr. Hastingsasked the Minister of Labour what percentage of men registered for National Service were examined by mass radiography prior to call-up in 1952 and 1953.
§ Mr. WatkinsonOf the men medically examined for National Service in 1952. 71 per cent. and in 1953 78 per cent. were examined by mass radiography.
§ Mr. HastingsIs the Minister aware of the large number of cases of tuberculosis that are apparently contracted during National Service, and of the large amount that has to be paid in pensions as well as the great inconvenience and loss? Will he not give careful consideration to the examination of all recruits by mass radiography within a very short time of their starting National Service?
§ Mr. WatkinsonIt is an important point, and I am glad to tell the hon. Gentleman that for the first three quarters of 1954 the percentage has gone up to just over 80 and that we hope to get it up higher still.
§ 4. Mr. Hastingsasked the Minister of Labour the average cost of attendance at mass radiography centres of men registered for National Service in 1952 and 1953.
§ Mr. WatkinsonAttendance at a mass radiography centre forms part of a man's medical examination and I regret that separate costs for that part of the examination are not available.
§ Mr. HastingsCould the Minister give us any idea of the cost, which I believe to be comparatively small, and which would therefore make it well worth while that this examination should be carried out in the case of all recruits?
§ Mr. WatkinsonI have said that already we have it for over 80 per cent. of recruits and that we hope to make further progress.