HC Deb 15 April 1943 vol 388 c1376
40. Mr. Douglas

asked the Minister of Health whether he has any information about the operation of compulsory immunisation against diphtheria in Germany; and whether any conclusions can be drawn applicable to this country?

The Minister of Health (Mr. Ernest Brown)

My information is that there is no general immunisation against diphtheria in Germany, but that it appears to be used locally in epidemics. The much increased prevalence of the disease in Germany, and the fact that there has been no serious increase in two enemy-occupied countries where immunisation is fairly complete, lend support to the Government's policy in advocating the immunisation of children in this country.

Mr. Douglas

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there has been a considerable increase in an occupied country where immunisation is compulsory?

Mr. Brown

As my hon. Friend knows, we cannot discuss that in public.

Mr. George Griffiths

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that when children have been immunised it has saved the local rates a tremendous amount of money because they have not had to go into the hospitals?