§ 3. Dr. Strossasked the Minister of Health whether he has noted the high percentage of pregnant women among those who are certified for the first time to be suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis; and what is the cause of this.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health (Mr. Richard Thompson)There are no national figures showing the incidence of tuberculosis among pregnant women. Of those examined by mass miniature radiography in 1957, 1.5 per thousand were found to be suffering from tuberculosis compared with 1.8 per thousand of all persons so examined.
§ Dr. StrossWill the Parliamentary Secretary note that the provision of improved apparatus for mass radiography, namely, the 100 mm. apparatus—which allows medical practitioners to send their patients into the centre for investigation and X-ray and is very expeditious and satisfactory—would help to give a prompter and earlier diagnosis? Will he encourage the use of the 100 mm. apparatus as soon as possible in all centres in the way in which it is used at Stoke-on-Trent?
§ Mr. ThompsonI know how close to the hon. Gentleman's heart this matter is. I will certainly see what can be done.