§ 30. Dr. Strossasked the Minister of Health what effect the mass X-ray examination of miners in North Staffordshire has had in increasing the figures of men diagnosed to be suffering from pneumoconiosis for the first time in the year 1956; and whether he will make a statement on his intentions for the future of this essential survey.
§ Mr. R. Thompson8,523 mineworkers in North Staffordshire were examined by mass miniature radiography in 1956, and 399 new cases of pneumoconiosis were found. It is intended that this type of survey should continue.
§ Dr. StrossDo not these figures illustrate particularly how very valuable mass miniature radiography can be if pithead examination can be made? May I ask, therefore, whether this type of work is to be offered to other areas in the country where, I believe, it is still not yet available? In other words, will it be extended so that the whole of the country and every area will be covered by this method? Secondly, does the answer mean that it will continue year by year in North Staffordshire?
§ Mr. ThompsonIn reply to the second part of the supplementary, as I said, it is intended that this work shall continue for Staffordshire. On the generality of the matter, I understand that the National 22 Coal Board will be approaching shortly the regional boards to discuss the co-ordination of X-ray surveys as a whole.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsWould the Minister consider asking those responsible for this examination whether they will also indicate what proportion of the men in the mines they find are suffering not only from pneumoconiosis as defined in the Regulations but also from emphysema?
§ Mr. ThompsonI will certainly give consideration to that.
§ Dr. SummerskillIs there any resistance on the part of any number of people to submitting to the X-ray?
§ Mr. ThompsonNot as far as I am aware.
Mr. DugdaleIn view of the success of this examination, is there any intention to extend it to foundry workers who also suffer from pneumoconiosis?
§ Mr. ThompsonI think I should like notice of that.