HC Deb 22 April 1958 vol 586 cc764-5
32. Mr. Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland, as representing the Lord President of the Council, if he will inform the House of the consideration being given to how far the hazards to man of nuclear energy and allied radiations now make expedient the obtaining at birth, death and marriage of further information on the genetic effects of those hazards, and the results of that consideration.

Mr. J. N. Browne

Detailed suggestions regarding additional information which might be collected at registration of births, deaths and marriages to provide further data on the genetic structure of human populations have been prepared by the Medical Research Council in the light of expert advice, and are under consideration.

Mr. Ross

When will the Joint Under-Secretary be able to give some further information about this matter? He will realise that this was sprung upon us by him. This was a quotation from his speech last year explaining that the Government could not make permanent the Population (Statistics) Act, 1938. Surely he will press on with this business and bring it before the House as soon as possible.

Mr. Browne

Yes, Sir.