HL Deb 16 March 1977 vol 381 cc4-5

2.42 p.m.

Baroness MASHAM of ILTON

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the first Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the examination of urine is routine in the medical check-ups of schoolchildren.

Lord WELLS-PESTELL

My Lords, in reply to the noble Baroness's Question the answer is, No. There is insufficient evidence of the role of screening and treatment in modifying the course of covert infection of the urinary tract to justify routine screening. The same situation exists over testing for sugar or albumen in the urine in the absence of symptoms of disease.

Baroness MASHAM of ILTON

My Lords, I thank the noble Lord for his Answer. With the present simplicity of the dipstick method of testing urine, does he not think that it might be worth considering this method in view of the terrible expense of renal failure in children, with the very serious problems which it creates for both them and their families?

Lord WELLS-PESTELL

My Lords, some time ago we took the advice of high medical opinion on this matter. In 1973, the screening sub-committee of the Department's Standing Medical Advisory Committee considered the question of screening for infection of the urinary tract, and agreed that on the evidence that was then available the introduction of a general screening programme for this condition could not be recommended. I think I ought to add that this view was endorsed in January 1974 by the Standing Medical Advisory Committee.

Lord SANDYS

My Lords, could the Government say how frequently medical check-ups take place during the school career of any particular child?

Lord WELLS-PESTELL

My Lords, I have no doubt that the Government could do so, but I regret to say that I am not in a position to give the noble Lord the answer.

Lord PLATT

My Lords, could the noble Lord tell me where I may conveniently obtain the report of the Standing Medical Committee, because I think that opinions may possibly have altered by now?

Lord WELLS-PESTELL

My Lords, I am not sure that the information is in the form of a report. As noble Lords will probably understand, the information would be in the form of advice given by that committee to my right honourable friend the Secretary of State. However, I will see whether there is a report or a paper on the subject. If there is, I will endeavour to ensure that the noble Lord receives a copy of it.

Lord PLATT

My Lords, I thank the noble Lord.