HC Deb 02 December 1968 vol 774 cc229-30W
Mrs. Ewing

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many working days were lost for the last year to the most convenient date as a result of arthritic and rheumatic illnesses in Scotland; and what amount was spent in Scotland or research into these diseases for this period.

Mr. Pentland

The Department only knows about days of sickness notified for National Insurance purposes. In Scotland in the period from 6th June, 1966, to 3rd June, 1967, there were nearly 2½ million days of incapacity attributed to arthritis and rheumatism.

I am informed by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland that while research on these diseases is carried out in several units in Scotland, it is not possible to identify separately the sums spent on this work.