§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many children were estimated to be suffering from scoliosis at the latest convenient date; how this compares with figures for each of the previous five years; and if he is satisfied that enough is done to detect scoliosis in children.
§ Dr. VaughanI regret that this information cannot be obtained from available statistics, but I am informed that a recent study has suggested that a screening programme is likely to reveal that504W tion charges, dental charges and ophthalmic charges, and the percentage contribution which those charges made to the financing of the National Health Service.
§ Dr. VaughanThe figures for England are as follows:
some 2.5 per cent. of children between the ages of 9 and 14 have spinal deformity. This information is quoted in a report just received from the Disabilities Study Unit and which is being studied in the Department.
§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many adults are currently suffering from scoliosis; and what proportion of these could have been treated with earlier detection of the condition.
§ Dr. VaughanI regret that this information is not available. Whether any particular adult now suffering from scoliosis could have been treated successfully with earlier detection of the condition is a matter for clinical judgment.