§ 18. Dr. Strossasked the Minister of Health whether he will make a statement on the past and present incidence of pulmonary tuberculosis in Stoke-on-Trent, indicating the trends in the past decade; and why the present position compares favourably with most of the county boroughs in the country.
§ Miss PittThe figures, which I am circulating in the OFFICIAL REPORT, show that the incidence in Stoke rose appreciably above the national average in the earlier 1950's but is now level with it again. The temporary rise may have reflected improved diagnosis.
§ Dr. StrossWould it be reasonable to infer that the remarkable work done by the mass X-ray unit, as well as by the local authority services, has played an appreciable part in giving us a condition which is favourable as compared with the notorious figures from which we suffered before the First World War?
§ Miss PittYes, Sir.
Following are the figures:
INCIDENCE PER 100,000 POPULATION Year Stoke-on-Trent County Borough England and Wales 1950 94 96.8 1951 103 97.5 1952 115 95.4 1953 109 92.8 1954 108 83.5 1955 123 75.6 1956 98 70.2 1957 65 64.3 1958 59 58.5 1959 48 53.5 1960 45 45.5