HC Deb 10 June 1937 vol 324 cc1949-50
34. Mr. Leach

asked the Minister of Health whether the Basque children who recently reached this country had been vaccinated and inoculated before their arrival, and, if so, against what diseases were they vaccinated or inoculated; and when were these operations performed?

Sir K. Wood

So far as I am aware, no special measures of vaccination or inoculation were taken before the children's arrival in this country, but approximately 50 per cent. were found on examination to have been vaccinated against smallpox. I understand that a first inoculation against typhoid has now been given to nearly all the children in the camp at North Stoneham.

Mr. Leach

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the permission of the parents for these operations had been obtained?

43. Commander Sir Archibald Southby

asked the Minister of Health how many Spanish refugee children have been admitted into this country; and how many cases of typhoid or suspected typhoid have occurred amongst them?

Sir K. Wood

According to the information with which I have been supplied, 3,881 children arrived at the camp at North Stoneham on 23rd and 24th May. Six cases of typhoid, including one not finally diagnosed, and one of paratyphoid, have occurred amongst them. Three children are at present under observation for this disease.

Sir A. Southby

In view of the risk of the spread of this disease, would the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that none of these children will be allowed to move to other parts of the country until they have undergone the full quarantine?

Miss Wilkinson

Is it not a fact that the arrangements in regard to quarantine have been most admirably carried out by the voluntary service of doctors?

Sir K. Wood

The responsibility for the conduct of this matter rests with the voluntary committee. I think everyone will agree that my Department have given all the advice and assistance that can be given in this matter, and we shall continue to do so. So far as the question of removal of children is concerned, I am anxious myself, subject to satisfactory medical conditions, that these children shall leave the camp as soon as reasonably practicable and possible. Any assistance that my medical officers can give to medical officers in districts where they may have to go, in order to ensure safety, so far as health is concerned, will be given.

Sir J. Lamb

Will the medical officers of health be informed before the arrangements are made to transfer these children?

Sir K. Wood

Oh, yes, Sir. It is obviously a very important responsibility on the local medical officers of health.

Sir John Haslam

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that some of these children have already been removed from the camp and that some of them are in my own constituency? Have the necessary steps been taken between the Ministry of Health and the local authorities to make sure that the children are fit to be removed?

Sir K. Wood

The matter is one for the local authority in the area and the medical officer concerned. From my own knowledge and observation I believe that the medical officers in the districts are fully alive to the need for properly carrying out their duties.

Mr. Davidson

Would the Minister arrange for a supply of tabloids to hon. Members opposite who are afraid of infection?