§ 35. Mr. Woodburnasked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether the scientific investigation, set up in 1948, into the causes of Scotland's high tuberculosis incidence is still pursuing its investigations; and when he expects further reports.
§ Mr. J. N. BrowneThe task of the Committee on Tuberculosis, set up by the Scottish Health Services Council in 1948, was completed on the publication of its Report in 1951.
§ Mr. WoodburnWould not the Minister agree that the problem of tuberculosis in Scotland is not yet eliminated and that the committee should pursue its investigations to learn the lessons of the steps taken in 1948?
§ Mr. BrowneWe have examined this matter. The truth is that every possible agency is now actively engaged in fighting T.B. and the results speak for themselves. In 1948, when the right hon. Gentleman set up the committee, there 208 were 3,415 deaths from T.B.; the provisional figure for 1956 is 714. I assure the right hon. Gentleman that if there is anything else we can do we shall do it.
§ 39. Dr. Dickson Mabonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many persons have been X-rayed in the present community survey campaigns in Scotland.
§ Mr. J. N. BrowneAbout 883,000.
§ 40 and 41. Dr. Dickson Mabonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1)how many persons have been found to be suffering from active pulmonary tuberculosis in the recent community survey campaigns; and how many were found to be in need of continued observation and assessment;
(2)how many persons have been admitted to hospital for treatment for active pulmonary tuberculosis as a result of the recent community surveys; and how many are receiving domiciliary treatment.
§ Mr. J. N. BrowneInformation available so far shows that in the five areas for which figures have been received 2,297 active cases were found, and 1,173 have been admitted to hospital. Particulars of the number in need of further observation and the number receiving domiciliary treatment are not yet available.
§ Dr. MabonWill the Minister agree that it is very important to have those figures for the assessment of future progress of the campaign? Can he give an indication of what proportion of the 1,124 so far unclassified are carriers? Is it not true that not all the T.B. allowances and social welfare facilities are being made available to those people?
§ Mr. BrowneI would ask the hon. Member to put that down as a separate Question. I am not at all sure that he is right in suggesting that any person in Scotland is being denied facilities.
§ Mr. RankinIs the Minister aware that in my constituency a carrier has been refused any treatment whatsoever and that no provision is made for him in the form of a new house?
§ Mr. BrowneI would ask the hon. Member to bring that to my notice immediately.