HC Deb 12 May 1958 vol 588 c2W
13. Dr. Stross

asked the Minister of Health what advice, apart from the Code of Practice formulated in 1956, is available to the staffs of X-ray departments in hospitals, whereby maximum protection against genetic and other hazards is afforded to both staff and patients.

Mr. Walker-Smith

Advice on this subject is available from the considerable volume of published scientific material, and from a number of expert organisations and individuals including those in charge of departments.

15. Dr. Stross

asked the Minister of Health to what extent it is now accepted that pelvic X-rays of pregnant women may lead to an excess of leukemia or malignant disease before the age of ten in the children born of these pregnancies; and what action is being taken to avoid this risk.

Mr. Walker-Smith

I understand that the possibility of a connection between X-ray exposure in the womb and leukaemia in childhood is being investigated but that no conclusions have yet been reached. As regards the last part of the Question I would refer the hon. Member to the Answer given to the hon. Member for Leicester, North-West (Mr. Janner) on 5th May.