§ Mr. Michael Brownasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the incidence of rickets among members of the ethnic minority communities; and what will be the cost to public funds of the campaign which he has announced to diminish the incidence of this disease.
§ Dr. VaughanWe do not know the full extent of the problem. Estimates based on sample surveys—in 1977—have suggested that among Asian children in the Midlands and North of England there might be 10 new cases of clinical rickets per 1,000 children per year—and a rather lower incidence in the London area—but the rickets campaign has already brought to light some evidence to suggest that the incidence may be higher. One of the benefits we expect from the campaign, the cost of which to central funds will be about £90,000, is wider contact between the Asian communities and the Health Service.