HC Deb 25 October 1945 vol 414 cc2177-8
18. Mr. Peter Freeman

asked the Minister of Health the total cost of all advertising matter in connection with the immunisation campaign during each of the last five years.

Mr. Bevan

The expenditure on publicity for the immunisation of children against diphtheria has been as follows:

£
1940–41 800
1941–42 2,276
1942–43 19,909
1943–44 30,777
1944–45 32,467
I may add that since the immunisation campaign began, the number of deaths from diphtheria has fallen to one-third of the pre-war average. Apart from this saving of children's lives, the number of cases has fallen by 28,000—and as each child suffering from diphtheria costs about £30 for hospital care, this means a saving of over £800,000 a year.