HC Deb 09 November 1971 vol 825 c820
19. Mr. Pavitt

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will reconstruct the organisation of mass radiography to provide for other screening tests including the measurement of blood pressure.

Mr. Alison

No, Sir.

Mr. Pavitt

Will the Minister reconsider that appalling reply and re-examine, as a matter of urgency, first the under-use of mass radiography units and, secondly, the rundown of these units by regional hospital boards? Has he taken note of the tremendous increase in the numbers suffering from heart disease, coronary thrombosis and so on? Does he appreciate that people other than footballers who suffer from heart diseases, including holes in the heart, can benefit from early diagnosis and, therefore, from the maximum use of these units?

Mr. Alison

I am advised that heart disease due to high blood pressure can be detected more readily and efficiently by means other than mass X-ray.

Mr. Pavitt

By what means?