HC Deb 17 November 1942 vol 385 cc186-7
44. Mr. Boothby

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps are being taken to combat the menace of venereal disease by means of propaganda designed to encourage preventive measures and to secure immediate treatment in cases of infection?

Mr. Johnston

I hope to issue to local health authorities this week a circular reminding them of the continuing need for enlightenment of the public about venereal disease and urging them to consider at once, an expansion of their arrangements in this respect.

Mr. Boothby

Does not my right hon. Friend think that the menace is now so serious that he ought to take direct action in his own Department over the heads of the local authorities?

Mr. Johnston

No, Sir.

Dr. Edith Summerskill

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the Government have introduced a Regulation on this subject which, from a medical point of View, is so limited in character that it will be quite ineffective in stamping out venereal disease?

Mr. Johnston

That Regulation has been drafted on the advice of our skilled medical officers.