HC Deb 25 May 1971 vol 818 cc221-2
24. Mr. David Watkins

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many working days are lost per year as a result of arthritis.

Mr. Dean

As the answer contains a number of figures I will, if I may, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Watkins

Would I be correct in assuming that the figure is high? Does the hon. Gentleman agree that it is un-acceptably high? Is his Department engaged in research into the causes of arthritis and its relation to working conditions? If not, does it propose to engage in such research?

Mr. Dean

While I in no way want to minimise the seriousness of the complaint and the disabilities caused by it, I should say that, although it is rising slightly, it is still a very small percentage of total sickness.

Sir B. Rhys Williams

Will my hon. Friend bear in mind, particularly in view of the disclosures about the extent of disability through arthritis, that prevention is cheaper than care and that much might be gained by additional Government help for research into the causes of this crippling disease?

Mr. Dean

Yes, Sir. I am grateful to my hon. Friend. I entirely agree with what he says. I assure him that a good deal of research is at present taking place into this matter.

Following is the information:

Days of National Insurance Sickness benefit due to arthritis
Statistical year beginning on the first Monday in June Million of Days
1965–66 … … … 13¼
1966–67 … … … 13½
1967–68 … … … 15
1968–69 … … … 15¼
1969–70 … … … 15