HC Deb 14 July 1958 vol 591 cc815-6
24. Mr. Dugdale

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the success of the mass X-ray examination of miners in North Staffordshire, he will now institute examinations of a similar character at foundries in the West Midlands.

Mr. R. Thompson

The Birmingham Regional Hospital Board undertakes mass X-ray surveys of factories, including those which have foundry workers, as part of the normal programme.

Mr. Dugdale

Is not the right hon. Gentleman aware that this is a different sort of examination from that held in Staffordshire, in that it is held in separate establishments and not at the foundry? Is he aware that what we are asking is that it should be held in the foundries in the same way as, in North Staffordshire, it is held at the mines?

Mr. Thompson

It is a matter for the regional hospital board to settle. [HON. MEMBERS: "No."] As I have said, there are mass radiography surveys in the West Midlands, and they undertake factory surveys and sessions for examination of patients referred by general practitioners.

Mr. Dugdale

Does the hon. Member mean that there is a shortage of radiographers or a shortage of X-rays, or does he mean that he has had a shortage of time in which to examine this matter?

Mr. Thompson

No, Sir. I do not mean any of these things. If the hon. Member looks at the answer to a Question recently on this subject, I think he will see that, on the whole, the progress made in this direction has been highly satisfactory.

Dr. Summerskill

Will the Minister consider this very carefully in view of the fact that in all industrial areas there are men working in foundries who would benefit considerably if he were to do as my hon. Friend has suggested? If he is only to bring it to the attention of the regional hospital board, that is not sufficient. Will he do more, in view of the fact that this is a very important way of reducing chronic bronchitis in the country?

Mr. Thompson

I appreciate that but, as I have said, the present surveys include factory surveys and they do not necessarily exclude foundry workers on that account.

Mr. Dugdale

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I will raise the matter at the earliest opportunity.