§ LORD CHORLEYMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the second Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government whether there has been an appreciable increase in pulmonary tuberculosis of recent years; and, if so, whether they will state the principal causes of it.]
§ THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR COMMONWEALTH RELATIONS AND FOR THE COLONIES (LORD TAYLOR)No, my Lords. The number of new cases of respiratory tuberculosis notified in England and Wales has fallen in recent years, from 24,408 in 1959 to 16,343 in 1963. The provisional figure for 1964 is 15,019. The second part of the Question therefore does not arise.
§ LORD CHORLEYMy Lords, I thank the Minister for his reply. I hope he will realise that this will give great comfort to very many people. There are rumours going about, I think it is true to say, all over England, that there has been a substantial increase, and they have been causing great disquiet to many citizens. I am sure that the reply which he has given will be of great comfort to many people.