HC Deb 01 May 1963 vol 676 cc1066-7
29. Mr. Woodburn

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he has investigated the reasons for the high death rate from bronchitis in Scotland; and what plans he has to deal with the situation.

Mr. Noble

Yes, Sir. I recently published a comprehensive report on bronchitis which has received wide publicity, as explained in my reply of 6th March to the hon. Member for Dunfermline Burghs (Dr. A. Thompson).

Mr. Woodburn

Is the Secretary of State aware that, apart from the high mortality, because of the great distress that this disease causes and the great economic loss to the country, the best way to deal with it is to prevent it? Is he prepared to adopt an educational method of getting the young people to realise that healthy living, fresh air and exercise are the best ways of preventing bronchitis?

Mr. Noble

Publicity on all these matters is very important. It is only two months since the Report was published and we cannot already expect to see the results of the efforts which the local authorities are making in this respect.