HC Deb 08 June 1939 vol 348 cc586-7
38. Sir Francis Fremantle

asked the Home Secretary how many children who had been immunised in Guernsey against diphtheria contracted the disease during the past year; how many who had not been immunised contracted the disease; and whether the cases were mild, severe or fatal in either group?

Sir S. Hoare

I have obtained a report from the Medical Officer of Health of Guernsey which gives the desired information, and, with my hon. Friend's permission, I will circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Sir F. Fremantle

Does not this show the great advantage conferred upon the community by this immunisation process?

Sir S. Hoare

My hon. Friend had better read the report.

Following is the information:

Report by the Medical Officer of Health, Guernsey, 1938.

Number of children under 14 inoculated (over eight weeks) who contracted diphtheria: 10.

These were all mild cases with one exception, which although a severe case, made a rapid recovery. There were no deaths.

Number of children under 14 who were not immunised who contracted diphtheria: 374.

The majority of the cases were mild, but a proportion were severe. There were 14 deaths.

6th June, 1938, to 6th June, 1939.

Number of children under 14 inoculated (over eight weeks) who contracted diphtheria: 18.

These were all mild cases with one exception, which although a severe case, made a rapid recovery. There were no deaths.

Number of children under 14 who were not immunised who contracted diphtheria: 298.

There were mostly of a mild type, but there were some severe cases with 13 deaths.