§ 22. Mr. Hubbardasked the Secretary of State for Scotland the latest figures available of the incidence of deaths from coronary thrombosis in Scotland; and the incidence for the corresponding period of 1954.
§ Mr. J. StuartDuring the first three-quarters of 1955 there were 6,470 deaths from coronary thrombosis in Scotland. For the same period of 1954, the number was 6,320.
§ Mr. HubbardIn view of the alarming figures of this killer disease, will the Secretary of State now take steps to get a voluntary notification agreement among local authorities in Scotland? Nobody knows the incidence of coronary thrombosis in Scotland, and as two schemes are already in operation in Fifeshire and Kilmarnock. will the right hon. Gentleman make an approach to local authorities for a scheme of voluntary notification?
§ Mr. StuartMy advice is that merely to compile statistics throughout the country would not necessarily be very helpful. We have these samples from Fife and Kilmarnock, which are what is wanted. I will, of course, consider, if medical opinion considers it is desirable, whether that should be carried further. but the question of the death rate is, I suppose, or may well be, attributable in some degree to the longer expectation of life at the present time.