HC Deb 02 May 1966 vol 727 c1221
24. Mr. Lomas

asked the Minister of Health if he will give support to the establishment of clinics where health checks can be undertaken by the general public.

Mr. Loughlin

Only for conditions which are reliably detectable at an early stage and for which there is an effective treatment.

Mr. Lomas

Is not my hon. Friend aware of the experiment that was carried out in Rotherham where one out of every six of the population failed to pass the nine-part examination? Does he not consider that there is an urgent necessity here for an early-warning system of this kind to check the health of the community?

Mr. Loughlin

We have to bear in mind that all the proposals that are advanced have to be fitted into the total amount of resources that we can apply to any particular service. As a general rule we are in favour of the early detection of most problems by the medical practitioner working in concert with the hospitals and local health authorities.

Mr. O'Malley

In view of the established demand and value of the screenings set up at Salford and Rotherham, would my hon. Friend consider the possibility of the Ministry putting out a pamphlet to local authorities pointing out the value of this type of service?

Mr. Loughlin

The value of this type of service is pretty well known throughout the country, but we will examine what my hon. Friend says.