HC Deb 22 October 1942 vol 383 c2077
21. Mr. Barstow

asked the Minister of Health whether he proposes to take steps to compel compulsory notification of venereal disease, having regard to the increase of these diseases throughout the country?

The Minister of Health (Mr. Ernest Brown)

I am considering what action can most appropriately be taken to check the spread of venereal disease, but, at the present time, I doubt whether the particular suggestion made by my hon. Friend is best calculated to secure this object.

26. Lieut.-Colonel Heneage

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the difficulty of dealing with carriers of venereal disease, and whether he will consider strengthening the existing powers?

Mr. Brown

Yes, Sir. I am aware of the difficulties, and I have under urgent consideration the most effective methods of dealing with them.

Lieut.-Colonel Heneage

Will my right hop. Friend say how long these inquiries will take, in view of the situation at the ports, and will he treat this problem as a plague and cease to surround it with mystery and laissez faire?

Mr. Brown

I am not talking about inquiries. I am talking about urgent consideration, which means, of course, that I am thinking about action.