Tuberculosis (Hansard, 27 April 1959)

§ 39. Dr. Stross
asked the Minister of Health whether he has noted the appreciable fall in the incidence of pulmonary tuberculosis in some county boroughs for the year 1957 as compared with the average for the years 1953 to 1956; and for what causes the figure in Stoke-on-Trent is less than that in Bournemouth.

§ Mr. R. Thompson
Yes, Sir, I am glad to note that the incidence fell in most county boroughs. It is difficult to give precise reasons for local variations in incidence, but the difference may be partly due to the higher proportion of older people in Bournemouth, which is the age group where there is now a relatively high incidence of the disease.

§ Dr. Stross
Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that for many years there has been a very vigorous mass X-ray examination of the whole population in Stoke-on-Trent? Can he say whether he thinks our early methods of diagnosis and vigorous treatment have something to do with it? Can he tell us whether mass X-ray investigations of the same kind have taken place in Bournemouth?

§ Mr. Thompson
I should require notice of the second part of that supplementary question, but I certainly accept what the hon Member said in the first part. I consider that these mass operations have had a most beneficial effect.

44. Mr.. Slater
asked the Minister of Health if he will state the incidence rate of tuberculosis amongst women aged from 20 to 44 years, in Stoke-on-Trent for 1957.

§ Mr. R. Thompson
I regret that the exact information requested is not available. The number of such cases notified was 35, a reduction of 15 on the previous year's figure.

Mrs. Slater
While we all welcome the reduction in the number in this large group, does not the Parliamentary Secretary think that, not only in Stoke-on-Trent but in the country as a whole, the number is high among this large group compared with numbers in other groups? Could not some special investigation be made to see why it should be particularly high in this large group of women?

§ Mr. Thompson
I think the accuracy of what the hon. Lady has said is generally accepted, but I am not persuaded that any further inquiry would be helpful in this respect.