§ 32. Mr. Hastingsasked the Minister of Health what proportion of men over 40 have been notified as suffering from tuberculosis; and what percentage of these are sputum positive.
§ Miss Hornsby-SmithThe figures are not available for men aged 40 and over, but for men aged 45 and over the cases of respiratory tuberculosis which were notified in 1955 represented a proportion of 11 per 10,000. It is not known what percentage of these were sputum positive, but in 1954 48 per cent. of new male respiratory cases diagnosed at chest clinics had positive sputum.
§ Mr. HastingsIs the Parliamentary Secretary aware that it is the general opinion of the profession that a great deal of tuberculosis is spread by men over 45? Will she make a special effort to get such people to undergo X-ray examinations of their chests and ensure that those who are found positive on X-ray where there is evidence of tuberculosis present will then undergo special sputum tests?
§ Miss Hornsby-SmithI appreciate what the hon. Member has said. It is recognised that there is a comparatively high number of sputum positive cases among older men, which may be a source of infection. We have particularly directed our attention to this. Successful efforts are being made through the mass miniature radiography service to seek out this type of person, especially in reception centres and common lodging houses.