HC Deb 03 December 1937 vol 329 cc2413-4W
Sir A. Wilson

asked the Minister of Health (r) how many patients and in what age groups are in institutions for the treatment and care of epileptics, compared with corresponding figures for 1920, 1925, and 1930, respectively, or other convenient dates for purposes of comparsion;

(2) whether any research supported by public or private funds is in progress or has been concluded in recent years as to the treatment and cure or alleviation of epilepsy; and whether the crude death-rate for 1936 shows any improvement over that for 1926; (3) how many homes for epileptics exist in England and Wales for the reception of rate-aided and non-rate-aided patients, or both, respectively; how many are under the management of local authorities or of private bodies; and how far they are under the supervision of his department?

Sir K. Wood: I have no special information as to research which is being carried on, but I know that research on the treatment of epilepsy is proceeding continuously in the institutions which deal specially with this disease.

The crude death rate from epilepsy was 52 both in 1926 and 1936. The standardised rates were, for males, 56 in 1926 and 52 in 1936 and, for females, 42 in 1926 and 39 in 1936. The answers to my hon. and gallant Friend's other Questions involve some detailed inquiry, and I will communicate with him as soon as possible.