§ 50. Mr. Hastingsasked the Minister of Defence whether he is aware of the heavy cost to the nation arising from the incidence of tuberculosis in the Armed Forces; and what steps he has taken, or will take, to institute mass miniature radiography of chests of recruits and B.C.G. vaccination where necessary.
§ Mr. John HareI have been asked to reply.
The Services have been making use of mass miniature radiography for at least the last ten years. Service men are examined both on entry and periodically during their service. B.C.G. vaccination is available, in appropriate cases, to anyone who has been in contact with tuberculosis. As a result of these measures, the incidence of tuberculosis continues to show a steady fall.
§ Mr. HastingsIs it not necessary to take very special care in such cases, because the conditions in barracks are such as to favour the spread of tuberculosis to those not already infected if there is even a single individual suffering from the disease in an active and infectious form?
§ Mr. HareThe hon. Gentleman is right in saying that every care should be taken about this dangerous disease, but I will send him figures which show that there has been a steady decline during the last four years.