§ Mr. Jacksonasked the Minister of Health if his advisers have yet come to any decision as to the most satisfactory period of time between the taking of mass radiographs in order to detect tuberculosis.
§ Mr. WillinkI would refer my hon. Friend to my predecessor's reply to his Question on 14th October last.
§ Mr. Jacksonasked the Minister of Health how many extra beds have been allotted to meet the increased numbers of tuberculosis patients discovered by mass radiology in Wales; and if he is satisfied that the number is adequate.
§ Mr. WillinkIt is not proposed that Tuberculosis Authorities should assign a 43W quota of beds specifically to cases discovered through mass radiography. The proportion of persons examined by this method who are found to be tuberculous and to require institutional treatment is very small, and the mass radiography unit now operating in Wales should cause no substantial extra demand on sanatorium beds for some time to come. I am aware that tuberculosis accommodation in Wales, and in other parts of the country, falls short of what is desirable: as my hon. Friend is aware, problems of building and staff are at present serious but 240 additional beds for tuberculosis have been provided in Wales in the last 18 months.