HC Deb 16 February 1939 vol 343 cc1938-9W
Mr. Groves

asked the Minister of Health whether he will state the proportion per 100 deaths from cancer certified by registered medical practitioners during each year for the past 10 years?

Mr. Elliot

These figures are tabulated at quinquennial intervals only. The most recent available figures are as follow:

what steps he is taking to prevent a similar occurence here?

Mr. Elliot

The reply to the first and second parts of the question is in the affirmative. The outbreak in Ireland took place in November, 1936, and, as the hon. Member was informed in reply to a question on the 24th June, 1937, careful inquiry concerning the prophylactic used was made by medical officers of my Department as soon as the matter was brought to my notice. As regards the last part, the manufacture for sale in, and the importation into, this country of diphtheria prophylactic are strictly controlled under the Therapeutic Substances Act, 1925.