HC Deb 21 October 1943 vol 392 cc1514-6
60. Dr. Summerskill

asked the Minister of Health whether he is satisfied that Regulation 33B has had any appreciable effect on reducing the incidence of venereal disease, in view of the fact that it has only been brought into operation against 110 individuals?

The Minister of Health (Mr. Ernest Brown)

I am of opinion that the Regulation is effecting its purpose and that it will increasingly assist medical officers of health in getting into touch with infected persons and inducing them to undertake voluntary treatment. The 110 persons referred to by my hon. Friend were cases reported more than once up to 30th June last as alleged sources of infection. In addition about 1,780 other cases were the subject of report, but of one report only.

Dr. Summerskill

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that perhaps unwittingly he is misleading the House? In view of the fact that Regulation 33B provides for information given by two persons in respect of a contact, therefore it has only been operated in 110 cases? In view of the fact that there were 120,000 new cases last year and the scourge is not abating, will he now take more drastic steps and introduce compulsory notification and treatment?

Mr. Brown

I will deal with that in reply to the next Question.

61. Dr. Summerskill

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the increasing menace to public health of venereal disease, he will consider introducing compulsory notification?

Mr. Brown

I would refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave to my Noble Friend the Member for King's Lynn (Lord Fermoy) on 23rd September.

Dr. Summerskill

Will the right hon. Gentleman tell the House now whether he is going to introduce compulsory notification and treatment?

Mr. Brown

Not at the moment.

Sir A. Knox

How long is the right hon. Gentleman going to block reform?

Mr. Brown

We have been doing a great deal of reform, not merely by compulsion, but if compulsory notification were adopted as a policy it would want a number of other drastic measures to make it effective. Otherwise you would drive the disease underground.

Mr. Godfrey Nicholson

Does the right hon. Gentleman understand that venereal disease is on the increase?

Mr. Brown

Perhaps the hon. Member will put that Question down and I will give him full information.

Dr. Summerskill

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the answer, I will raise the Question on the Adjournment.