asked the Minister for Health if, in view of the prevalance of coronary heart disease, he will make ECG machines available as standard equipment in each dispensary; and if, in order that general practitioners may become efficient in the recording and reading of ECG data, he will organise courses in association with county physicians and other qualified personnel.

I am at present considering proposals whereby county physicians and other qualified personnel will run familiarisation courses in the use of ECG machines and defibrillators to enable general practitioners to deal with such emergencies. The question of the location of such equipment will be taken up with the county physician for each area.

Is the Minister aware that greater efficiency would ensue from ECG machines and defibrillators. particularly in the rural areas?

That is only a partial answer. Very great importance is attached to the patients reaching hospitals where there is coronary care equipment units. We are seeing to it that coronary care intensive units are provided in all county hospitals.