§ 38. Dr. David Kerrasked the Lord President of the Council whether he will institute studies of the incidence of the cardiovascular arteriosclerotic disease among Members of Parliament in order to promote preventive measures against this condition.
§ Mr. CrossmanI accept the seriousness of the Question and if my hon. Friend wishes to send me evidence in favour of his suggestion I will take advice on it.
§ Dr. KerrWhile I am grateful to my right hon. Friend for keeping the door open, may I ask whether he is aware that it is nearly two years since the Parliamentary Medical Committee made some observations in connection with this, and more than a year since his predecessor announced to the House that a local practitioner had offered to act as honorary physician to the House? In view of the recent deaths of colleagues on both sides of the House, can he not proceed a little more constructively and quickly on this question?
§ Mr. CrossmanI have indicated my view that cardiovascular arteriosclerotic disease may possibly be an occupational disease of M.Ps. However, I want to have more evidence of this, through the expert knowledge of my hon. Friend. If he gives me the expert evidence I will take advice upon this.
§ Sir R. CaryMay I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether it is not a fact that cardiovascular diseases can apply to many other activities in life? Surely there is no need to put Members of Parliament in a special category and frighten the wits out of our families?
§ Mr. CrossmanWhether we are placed in this special category does not really determine what disease we die from. I merely have my hon. Friend's expert view of this. As I said, if he can provide me with evidence to suggest that the worst is true, despite all that my hon. Friends and I think about it, then let him do it. He has to provide me with reasonable evidence before I take advice.