HC Deb 24 November 1942 vol 385 cc665-6
73. Mr. Boothby

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been drawn to the serious increase of venereal disease in this country and to the inadequate measures which have so far been taken to combat it; and whether he will give immediate directions to the Departments concerned to neglect no step which can be taken to encourage the use of every kind of preventive measure and to stop the spread of infection?

Miss Horsbrugh

The increase of venereal disease has been receiving my right hon. Friend's close attention in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland, and my hon. Friend will be aware of the Defence Regulation for combating this problem which has been laid before the House. I would also refer him to the replies which my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave on this subject on 17th November, and to my right hon. Friend's reply to the hon. Member for Maldon (Mr. Driberg) on 19th November.

Mr. Boothby

Is my hon. Friend aware that this Defence Regulation is quite inadequate to combat this problem? Is it the intention of the Government to initiate a propaganda campaign throughout the country?

Miss Horsbrugh

If my hon. Friend will refer to the reply to the hon. Member for Maldon on 19th November, he will see what publicity and further educational remedies are to be undertaken.

Mr. Davidson

In the consultations with the Secretary of State for Scotland on this matter was considereration given to the use of the various organisations in-Scotland which have been combating this evil for many years?

Miss Horsbrugh

I know that consultations have taken place, but I would like a Question put down as to the details.

Sir W. Davison

Is my hon. Friend aware that the publicity on this matter is inadequate and that the people likely to be affected are not aware of the facilities available and the necessity of prompt action which will be kept secret?

Miss Horsbrugh

If my hon. Friend will look at the reply given to the hon. Member for Maldon on 19th November, he will see that further publicity and education on this matter are being initiated.

Mrs. Tate

If my right hon. Friend is as concerned as he should be about this matter, will it be possible to ask why there have not been a larger number of and better clinics set up in the last few years?

Miss Horsbrugh

There have been extra clinics set up in the last few years, but if my hon. Friend will look at the reply given to the hon. Member for Maldon, she will see what is how being done with publicity and education and increase of clinics.

Dr. Summerskill

Has the Department considered compulsory notification, a course which is advocated by many medical authorities?

Miss Horsbrugh

The Department has considered many schemes, and the scheme that is now before the House in this Regulation is that for which it is thought desirable to get sanction from this House.

Mr. Boothby

I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment at an early opportunity.

Viscountess Astor

May I ask—

Mr. Speaker

The question will be raised on the Adjournment.