§ 46. Mr. Sorensenasked the Minister of Health, as representing the Minister for Science, to what extent an increase in the presence of strontium and leukaemia has been detected in infants, children, young people, and adults, respectively, during the past two years.
§ Mr. PowellThe average levels of strontium 90 measured in bone during 1959 as a whole show some increase on those recorded during 1958 for still-born infants, children and young people, but there was relatively little change from the first to the second half of 1959. As the answer to the Question as regards leukaemia contains a number of figures I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Mr. SorensenIs it not true that the figures for leukaemia show a serious increase? In view of what the right hon. Gentleman has said about strontium, may I ask him whether he is taking any steps to deal with this matter and to acquire all the necessary information so that the public may know the position?
§ Mr. PowellThe figures for leukaemia, unfortunately, have been on the increase for the past 30 or 40 years. There is no clear reason for connecting the two matters to which this Question refers. I am not aware that the arrangements for obtaining information on the first matter are defective.
§ Mr. PeartWhen the Minister replies to my hon. Friend, will he give, if possible, figures for each region covered by his Administration?
§ Mr. PowellI will see if that can be done.
Following are the figures:I regret I can only give figures for deaths from leukaemia. In the age groups 0–4, 5–14, 15–24, 25 upwards these were 141, 192, 95, and 1,958 in 1958, and were 152, 219, 124 and 2,039 in 1959.