§ Mr. James Bennettasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) how many children in Glasgow were reported as suffering from rickets in the years 1970, 1971 and 1972;
(2) how many children were reported as suffering from rickets in the years 1970, 1971 and 1972;
(3) what research is being undertaken to ascertain the cause of rickets.
§ Mr. Gordon CampbellRickets is not a notifiable disease, and the only firm information about its general incidence is derived from hospital discharges. Children under age 15 discharged after inpatient treatment and recorded as having rickets were as follows:
Glasgow Scotland 1970 … … … 15 18 1971 … … … 23 28 Information is not yet available for 1972.
The medical cause of rickets has long been known. The current incidence of the disease in Great Britain is under close consideration by a panel concerned with child nutrition chaired by the Chief Medical Officer of the Scottish Home and 115W Health Department. It is hoped to publish a statement summarising the panel's preliminary conclusions in the May 1973 issue of the Department's Health Bulletin, and I shall send a copy to the hon. Member.