§ Mr. Llewellynasked the Minister of Health whether he will publish statistics showing the growth of cancer cases in Wales, and the comparable figures for other regions, since 1945.
§ Mr. VosperNo information is available about the growth of cancer cases in Wales since 1945.
The number of deaths in Wales from cancer, on the basis of the classification at present in use, increased from 4,688 in 1945 to 5,486 in 1955. This represents an increase of 17 per cent. in the numbers of deaths and an increase of 9 per cent. in the death rate. The corresponding increases for England and Wales as a whole were 21 per cent. and 4 per cent.
Owing to the changes in the composition of the regions used for statistical purposes, comparable figures for other regions are not available for 1945. The following table shows comparable figures for 1946 and 1955.
DEATHS FROM CANCER — 1946 1955 England and Wales 77,820 91,340 Standard Regions: Northern 5,220 6,238 East and West Ridings 7,433 8,375 North Western 11,875 13,803 North Midland 5,600 6,349 Midland 7,292 8,493 Eastern 5,302 6,488 London and South Eastern 20,249 24,362 Southern 4,582 5,476 South Western 5,555 6,270 Wales 4,711 5,486