§ 9. Dr. Strossasked the Minister of Health whether he will make a statement on the mass X-ray examination of miners in North Staffordshire at the pitheads; and if he will state the number of cases of pulmonary tuberculosis and progressive massive fibrosis which have been found and the extent to which the protection afforded by this examination is extended to the families of those who are so suffering.
§ Mr. Walker-SmithBetween May, 1956, and August, 1957, of the total of approximately 20,000 mine workers, just under 15,000 attended for mass X-ray at pithead surveys; 59 were found to have active pulmonary tuberculosis, and 200 showed signs suggesting progressive massive fibrosis which warranted further investigation. Arrangements are made for the examination of all members of the families of mine workers referred for chest clinic examination and treatment, and there are also special mass X-ray sessions for miners' families generally.
§ Dr. StrossIn thanking the right hon. and learned Gentleman for his reply, may I ask him if he is aware that nothing would be more assuring than the Answer he has given, not only to this mining community but to mining communities all over the country, and that if these measures can be extended throughout the country nothing but good can result from them by weeding out people who might otherwise infect their fellow workers?
§ Mr. Walker-SmithI am much obliged to the hon. Gentleman for what he has been good enough to say.
§ Dr. SummerskillCan the right hon. and learned Gentleman say what proportion 50,000 is of the total?
§ Mr. Walker-SmithThe figure given was 15,000, not 50,000. The number who attend represent 76.6 per cent. of the total mine workers employed at the collieries concerned.