HC Deb 01 July 1963 vol 680 cc18-9
29. Mr. R. Edwards

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware of the high percentage of tuberculosis among school children in the Coseley and Sedgley areas of Staffordshire; what steps are being taken to ascertain the causes of this situation; and what action is being taken to improve it.

Mr. Powell

There has been an outbreak in one school; the source has been discovered; continued supervision of contacts, testing and prophylactic treatment.

Mr. Edwards

Whilst thanking the right hon. Gentleman for that reassuring reply, may I ask whether he will confirm that the main cause of tuberculosis is infected milk? Has the milk supplied to the schools been T.B. tested? Will the right hon. Gentleman agree further that contributory causes of tuberculosis are excessive smoke fumes and dust from local industry? Is this aspect of the problem being inquired into?

Mr. Powell

There is no reason to relate the source of this particular incident in this school to either of the causes which the hon. Member mentioned. The child who was the source of this infection has been traced, but it is only at this one school that there has been anything abnormal.

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