HC Deb 18 July 1929 vol 230 c636W
Mr. HARRIS

asked the Minister of Health whether his Department has had any inquiry into the subject of phototherapy; whether he has any information as to the proof of actual physical benefits in curing to the recipient of artificial-light treatment as administered by the ultra-violet lamp; and whether he will consider holding an inquiry into the efficacy of light treatment generally, especially in welfare centres?

Mr. GREENWOOD

Special inquiries have been made during recent years by medical officers of my Department into the application of phototherapy (including artificial-light) to the treatment of disease, and the results have been published in the annual Reports of the Chief Medical Officer. These observations are being continued, and I do not see any necessity for a further inquiry. As regards the second part of the question, I am advised that the best results of this form of treatment appear to have been obtained in cases of rickets and, of certain forms of non-pulmonary tuberculosis.