15. Mr. Dugdaleasked the Minister of Health whether he will make available full-size X-ray plates for investigation of all foundry workers who may be suffering from pneumoconiosis.
§ The Minister of Health (Mr. Iain Macleod)Examination by full-size X-ray plates is available free under the National Health Service for any person thought to be suffering from pneumoconiosis after clinical examination by a doctor or after examination by a mass miniature radiography unit.
Mr. DugdaleIs the right hon Gentleman aware that examination by means of miniature radiography unit has not proved to be satisfactory and that this is causing great distress among foundry workers? Will he say whether his failure to provide such a service is due to the fact that his Ministry cannot provide it after all these years in which he has been in charge, or to the fact that the Chancellor of the Exchequer refuses to give him the money although he finds money for many other less desirable purposes?
§ Mr. MacleodI do not accept any of the statements in that supplementary question.
§ Dr. StrossIs the Minister aware that there are two types of mass miniature machines—one a 30 millimetre machine and the other, the improved new type, of 60 millimetres. Is it not a fact that the 60 millimetre machine is eminently satisfactory, and could we have more of them made available?
§ Mr. MacleodAs I said in my original Answer, if full X-ray examination is desirable it can be done after clinical examination, or after the need has been shown through a mass miniature radiography unit.