§ Dr. S. Taylorasked the Minister of Health what approximate percentage of cases of pulmonary tuberculosis and tuberculosis of the bones and joints are caused by the bovine tubercle bacillus.
§ Mr. Bevan:I am advised that the bovine tubercle bacillus is estimated to cause less than 2 per cent. of all cases of pulmonary tuberculosis, and about 30 per cent. of all forms of non-pulmonary tuberculosis, but it is not possible to give a separate figure for tuberculosis of the bones and joints.
§ Dr. S. Taylorasked the Minister of Health the number of persons in England and Wales suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis and tuberculosis of the bones and joints during 1945, or the latest 12-monthly period for which figures are available; and what was the approximate cost to the community of the treatment of each case.
§ Mr. Bevan:It is estimated that at 31st December, 1945, there were in England and Wales approximately 182,000 persons under treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis and 54,000 for non-pulmonary tuberculosis, but no separate figures are available regarding non-pulmonary bone and joint cases. The information referred 471W to in the last part of the Question would involve a special and intricate inquiry of all tuberculosis authorities which I scarcely feel justified in undertaking.