HC Deb 25 July 1946 vol 426 cc41-2W
75. Mr. Watkins

asked the Minister of Health if his advisers have, as yet, come to any decision as to the periods at which mass photographs of the population should be made, in order to diagnose early cases of tuberculosis.

Mr. Bevan

I am advised that there can be no standard rule about frequency of examination. Regular survey of the same groups is obviously desirable, but present resources—which are steadily increasing—still keep us short of that ideal.

76. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Minister of Health approximately how many have now been examined by miniature X-ray methods; how many have been found to be suffering from any form of tuberculosis; how many who should receive hospital treatment are unable to find hospital accommodation; and what progress is now being made towards providing suitable treatment and accommodation.

Mr. Bevan

The number of civilians examined by mass radiography in England and Wales up to 31st December, 1945, was approximately 797,000, of whom 2,900 were diagnosed as suffering from active tuberculous conditions. Of those requiring institutional treatment 830 had been admitted to such treatment up to 31st December last, and admissions since then will have substantially increased this number. I cannot give the exact figure of those who have had to be placed on the waiting list for sanatorium beds because of the prevailing shortage of hospital staff but I can assure my hon. Friend that unceasing efforts are being made to remedy this shortage.