§ 12. Mr. Blenkinsopasked the Minister of Health whether he will make a statement regarding the high incidence of bronchitis in the first quarter of 1959 and the action that is being taken to speed up preventive measures.
§ Mr. Walker-SmithThere are no specific statistics of incidence, but deaths from bronchitis were more numerous in the early months of this year than in comparable periods of previous years. This increase was probably associated with the foggy weather and a widespread outbreak of influenza. I am sure that all those concerned with the prevention of this disease are aware of the urgency of the problem, but knowledge of its causes is not sufficient to form a basis for organised preventive measures of the kind that have achieved success in other fields.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopDoes the right hon. and learned Gentleman not realise that the increases, particularly in such places as Glasgow, London itself, Tyneside and elsewhere, have been very severe for the first three months of this year compared with the same period last year, and that there has been a one hundred per cent. increase in the deaths in Glasgow from bronchitis? Will he not use his best endeavours to speed up the clean-air programme and particularly, in so far as it is under his own control, see that the hospitals use smokeless fuel wherever possible?
§ Mr. Walker-SmithYes, there is an increase. The figures quoted by the hon. Gentleman for certain localities are, as he is aware, above the average increase.I quite accept that there is a serious problem here and the importance of the Clean 6 Air Act in this context. Although this is primarily a matter for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Housing and Local Government, I certainly have very much in mind my individual responsibilities in relation to hospitals.
§ Mr. BlenkinsopWill not the right hon. and learned Gentleman make some recommendations to Manchester about it?